By Kathy Thorpe, MA, CHom ©2010

Whether it’s for kids, teens or adults, lunches can be made of wholesome, nourishing food that will keep energy high and brains working well into the afternoon. Whenever possible use organic, free range natural food. Try some of the following ideas:

• Pita pocket stuffed with humus, avocado, cheese, turkey or chicken -- add lettuce, grated carrot, and tomato.
• Tortilla with beans, rice, avocado, tomato or salsa
• Bagel with scrambled eggs or a bagel with almond butter, raisins, fruit-only jam or a banana
• Egg, tuna or chicken salad on top of mixed green salad with pretzels or rice crackers on the side
• Hot soup in an insulated thermos with rice crackers or crusty bread
• Turkey & cheese with mayo & mustard wrapped in iceberg lettuce
• Whole wheat tortilla wrapped around turkey, cheese, mayo and baby greens
• Whole grain bread with veggie cream cheese and sliced cucumbers
• Cottage cheese with pineapple or peaches and trail mix served with veggie chips

For gluten free lunches:
• Rice balls with grated carrot, cucumber, tuna, chicken or salmon wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed.
• Spring rolls: dip a sheet of rice paper in hot water and wrap up rice noodles, slivered carrots, bell peppers, sprouts, cucumbers with dip: peanut butter mixed with rice wine, tamari, sesame oil & honey.
• Rice, grated carrot, cucumber, tuna or chicken wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed
• Sweet potatoes, baked tofu and broccoli
• Hummus (plain or red pepper) with veggie sticks and rice crackers.
• Bento lunch with teriyaki chicken, rice, and colorful pickles.

Additional snack ideas:
• Almond butter, celery & raisin “Ants on a Log”
• Make an edamame dip for veggies and crackers.
• Plain yoghurt with berries
• Olives or pickles
• Add fresh fruit (rather than juice) to every lunch. Sprinkle sliced apples, pears or banana with lemon to keep from browning.

The most important thing of all is to infuse the food with a lot of love and try putting little notes telling your kids how fabulous they are!

Kathy Thorpe, MA, CHom, is a classical homeopath and a writer. She can be reached at 303 583-0179 or info@sixpersimmons.com.