Weekly Wellness Tip: Back to School Lunches and Snacks

By now most, if not all, kids are back in school. Back to school nutrition is very important. Here are some tips to get on the right track.
  • Plan lunch together. Encourage kids to pack their lunch with items they enjoy so they are less likely to throw away or swap with classmates.
  • Try new foods. Pack exotic fruits like kiwi, or allow them to pick fruits and vegetables they want to try at the grocery store.
  • Celebrate special days. Plan lunch around special events. For example, pack an all-red lunch for Valentine's Day.
  • Offer choices. Vary protein sources - tuna, peanut butter, turkey or beans - and offer whole-grain items such as whole-grain bread, tortillas or crackers. Rotate whole pieces of fruit and cut-up vegetables.
These make a perfect after school snack.
APPLE CHEESE SNACKS
Ingredients
1/2 cup PHILADELPHIA 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese
2 Tbsp. PLANTERS Sunflower Kernels
1/4 cup raisins
6 apples 
Recipe Directions:
Mix reduced-fat cream cheese, sunflower kernels and raisins. Spread 1-1/2 Tbsp. reduced-fat cream cheese mixture into hollow of each apple half. Serve immediately.