Brown bag lunch ideas for kids and adults

Buying lunch and healthy eating often don't mix.

• A typical deli sandwich is oversized and loaded with fat.
• A bag of chips usually has unhealthy hydrogenated fats and empty calories.
• Soft drinks have no real nutritional value.

School lunches aren't always so great either. It depends on the day.

Taking lunch to work or school -- also known as "brown bagging it" -- gives you control over fat and calories. And it's usually less expensive.

These sandwich ideas (all on whole grain bread, of course) should keep you from getting bored with the brown bag scene.

• Add zip to tuna salad. Try using low-fat cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise. Add chopped apples and grated carrots. If you like curry dishes, add dash of curry powder.
• Liven up peanut butter sandwiches. Sliced bananas are a great addition to a peanut butter sandwich. Or instead of banana, add apple and a little cinnamon.
• Dress up chicken salad. Add apple, pineapple, and a mixture of mayonnaise and yogurt seasoned with curry powder to chopped chicken. If you want to make a sandwich out of it, take pita bread with you and fill it with the salad just before eating.
• Make the most of hard-boiled eggs. Slice the eggs, and spread the bread with a little mayonnaise and some spicy mustard. Add lettuce or chopped watercress.

Related Links

Diets: Basics

Nutrition: For children & teens

Recipes

First published: 08/01/2000
Last updated: 06/29/2005

Reviewed by: Paul Kleeberg, MD, medical director, Internet/Intranet Services, Allina Hospitals & Clinics