School Lunch and Quick Snack Ideas
By JJ Virgin, CNC, CHFI
I have been getting lots of requests for quick, healthy lunch and snack ideas,
so I have put together some of my favorites for you!
Sandwiches
Give them a different twist by using a whole wheat or low carb tortilla or a whole
wheat pita. Stuff or roll using your favorite combination of lean protein, veggies
and toppings.
Start with a small portion of protein: lean roast beef, turkey breast, leftover
chicken chunks, tuna, shrimp (only if refrigeration available), lean ham (limit
this) or veggie patty.
Add veggies: assorted lettuces (not iceberg), chopped mixture of crunchy ones
(radishes, peppers, onions, jicama, etc), sliced mushrooms, tomatoes
Optional-add LF/NF cheese
Add a topping/spread: light whipped cream cheese with herbs added,
Dijon mustard, Horseradish sauce, Salsa/hot sauce, Lowfat dressings, Vinegar
Try making a pasta salad with low carb or whole wheat pasta-use 1 cup of veggies,
1 cup of pasta, chunks of chicken, lowfat feta and a LF olive oil vinegarette.
Soup in a Thermos - A great way to get more veggies in, make it veggie only for
an addition to a sandwich or add protein to make it a main course. Be sure to
look for broth or tomato based that are low sodium, or better yet, make your own.
Snacks
- Yogurt or Cottage Cheese Parfait (also makes a great breakfast)*
- Steamed Soybeans in the shell (edemame)
- 10 nuts and a piece of fruit
- 1-2 oz LF/NF cheese and a piece of fruit
- apple slices and nut butter**
- Ry Krisp or WASA crackers with LF/NF cheese or nut butter
- Low carb tortilla roll-up(also makes a great breakfast)*
- Hummus with raw veggies for dipping
- Baked apple*
- Mock berry pie*
**be sure to buy the nut butters without added sugar or partially hydrogenated
fat
Mock Berry Pie
Heat 1 cup frozen berries in microwave for 3 minutes. Add 1 scoop vanilla whey
protein powder and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped nuts.
Yogurt Parfait
Layer plain non-fat yogurt mixed with vanilla & cinnamon with 1/2 cup berries
and 1/2 cup Kashi Go-Lean cereal.
Baked Apple
Split open baked apple and top with 1 cup non-fat cottage cheese and 1/2 cup
Low Sugar-Low Fat Muesli or Kashi Go Lean cereal.
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