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?

Two days ago I gave a talk to the community called “5 Secret Weapons to Fight Family Obesity.”  When I spoke about serving meals “restaurant” style versus the traditional “family” style, I noticed some eyes really lighting up.

I decided to take these photos of our typical meal so I can show you how easy it is to do that.  My kids are little and quite used to this format.  If yours are older and most likely ready to complain at this new technique, then just educate them that this is one of the best ways to keep them from having to wash extra dishes after dinner!! :)  Why not leave more time to play after dinner (or do homework, or make lunches or get cracking on bedtime…)?  Don’t forget to explain how this will be healthier for them and teach them portion control.

If you toss a big green salad with your dinner, then by all means leave that out for seconds.  It’s difficult to ingest excessive calories on vegetables unless they’re smothered with high-calorie dressing, bacon bits, croutons & cheese (just use those judiciously).

Bon appetit!

I try to balance fats, carbohydrates, veggies and proteins.

Mom's plate is in the foreground. (One little trick is to nix the large dinner plate and use smaller plates for your meals.)

A surprise dinner guest (hope she likes raw cheese)