What's in your lunch sack?

I’m happy that my girls are at an age that A. they can tell me their food likes and dislikes and B. they are old enough to pack their own lunches. That said, I still need to have nutritious food for them to pack and enjoy throughout their long days at school, which often include after school activities. Eight hours is a long time to be away from the kitchen! Here are a few easy lunch and snack ideas for the whole family.1. Leftovers. Get your kids a kitschy thermos and fill it with chicken and noodles, leftover chili, soup or taco meat and rice. Add some fruit or snack bag of nuts for a snack. Don't forget the fork or spoon.2. Cheese sticks, crackers and fruit. We affectionately call this “cocktail party food” when it’s in their lunch. Go for whole grain crackers for fiber. They're more filling than saltines or club crackers.3. Cold pizza. My girls prefer this to reheated pizza hands down. Add an apple and a bag of raw veggies and lunch is done.4. Turkey wrap sandwich. Take a whole wheat tortilla and layer a few slices of turkey, shredded cheese, and shredded lettuce. Include a cup of yogurt and side of fruit. Add a cooly pack to keep things cold.5. Peanut butter & honey sandwich. Jelly is fine, but a touch of honey can be drizzled over peanut butter to reduce the sugar load. Use 100% whole wheat bread to maintain energy all afternoon. Be sure to pack some milk money and fruit.6. Greek yogurt with chopped nuts. Nuts add a nice crunch like granola without all the sugar. Add some frozen berries for more flavor and fiber and a side of whole wheat crackers like Wheat Thins or Triscuits.7. Hummus, crackers, veggies and fruit. Another take on “cocktail party food”. Pack whole wheat crackers, cherry tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, baby carrots, etc.8. Tuna pasta salad. Make your favorite tuna salad then toss it in some whole wheat elbow noodles. Add chopped celery and bell peppers for color and crunch.9. Hard boiled eggs, whole grain crackers, fruit and nuts. Fill your kids with fiber and protein and they'll have energy to learn and play all day. Be sure to pack a water bottle to keep 'em hydrated, too.