School is drawing near and heck, summer is just as busy (who am I kidding?). Isn’t it refreshing to be able to draw on some standard fare that you can keep in your kitchen for those rushed times of life and still give your family a healthy meal?

Here’s a lunch idea that I whipped up for my kids (ages 2, 4 & 6) that was simple, quick and nutritious.  It helps to keep the ingredients on hand at all times. Of course, feel free to improvise with other healthy items.

Whole-grain Peanut Butter Sandwich

(my kids are little, so a half sandwich for each one suffices).  I gave them tomatoes from the garden (harvest time is upon us!!), carrots or cucumber and apple slices and these neat potato and corn chips that I found at a health-food store.  The chips are a bonus as I usually do not buy them, but the ingredients were few and did not have dies, preservatives, MSG, nor trans-fats.

I try to think in terms of balancing proteins, starches, fibrous carbohydrates (veggies/fruits) and healthy fats with every meal I feed my kids.  There are times when they are not eating that way; however, I am less guilty and they are more healthy for my feeding them responsibly the rest of the time.  The main reason I do this aside from general health is to keep their blood-sugar in balance.  Ever notice that melt downs occur before mealtime or, hopefully not, during the time a meal should be happening?

If you want more ideas on staples to keep in stock for quick nutrition, then see my latest article called “Quick Ideas for Family Nutrition.” Start planning now how brown bag lunches to school or work can be healthier for your family.

What are some quick and healthy lunch ideas you recommend?