Lunchbox boredom? Time to shake it up!

 Lunch to go

"There are lots of ways to jazz up a packed lunch by adding new flavours while keeping it nutritious and convenient," says Kerri Seigel, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant. "It's as easy as spicing up leftovers from last night's dinner to adding a chocolate or strawberry flavoured soy beverage instead of the typical juice box for some tasty variety."

Here are a few quick and easy examples of how to shake up your child's lunch while ensuring you pack a nutritious punch.

Shake it up

If juice boxes are your beverage of choice, it's always a good time to try a tasty, nutrient-rich beverage such as soy milk. Kid-friendly chocolate, vanilla and strawberry-flavoured So Good soy beverages come in handy tetra packs, and are packed with 15 essential nutrients and up to 7 grams of protein. It's an easy way to add flavour and variety to your kids' lunch and an energy kick to get them through the day.

Switch it up

Instead of a traditional bagel, try spreading cream cheese on a whole wheat tortilla, then roll it up and cut into pinwheel rounds. For a fun change, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an added crunch.

Dress it up

Are carrots a staple lunch vegetable? If so, up the flavour ante by packing a small container of humus or a zesty low-fat dip on the side. Or, pack chopped carrots, celery, peppers, and salad dressing for a build-your-own veggie salad.

Step it up

A special treat can help take lunch from ordinary to extraordinary. Here's an idea: make a batch of tasty muffins on the weekend, wrap them individually, then freeze. Toss one in the lunch bag and they'll be ready to eat at noon.

With a few small changes, it's easy to take your child's traditional lunch from "whoa" to "wow."

Credit: www.newscanada.com