It’s that time of year: The leaves are turning, the buses are rolling, the kids have their new backpacks and new kicks. We want to get them off to a great start in the new school year, but that starts with eating right:
Great school nutrition important for great learning.
Below you’ll find easy recipes for a healthy breakfast, a berry-powered smoothie fit for a thermos, super healthy trail mix balls, and an easy quinoa and veggie salad that will keep your youngsters engaged for the full school day.
Lunchbox Quinoa Salad with Veggies
Serves: 4 Lunchbox servings
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup minced carrots
- 1/4 cup green peas
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Cook quinoa by bringing water to a boil and pouring in quinoa. Reduce heat to a simmer until water has been absorbed (about 15 minutes). Pour cooked quinoa into a mixing bowl, and chill in refrigerator until cold (about 30 minutes). Remove quinoa from fridge and stir in the red bell pepper, red onion, curry powder, cilantro, lime juice, carrots, and peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill before serving. Source (image and recipe): momables.com, Alison Bickel
Mango Chia Ginger Granola
- 2 ripe mangos, peeled, cored, and sliced into one-inch cubes
- 2 cups Living Intentions chia ginger cereal
- 2 cups nut or seed milk
Put ingredients in a bowl and enjoy! Preparation takes five minutes or less and is hearty enough to satisfy appetites the entire morning. The ingredients can be substituted for dietary needs or preferences. Source: Deliciously Holistic by Shelley Alexander, CHFS
Blueberry Apple Pie Trail Mix Balls
- 1 container of Steve’s Paleo Goods Apple Krunch Cereal
- 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- 1/4 cup SunButter (or other nut butter)
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Mix everything together. Shape into balls. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Eat up! Source: paleomg.com, Juli Bauer
Thermos-Ready Smoothie
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup silken tofu
Combine berries, banana, apple juice, and tofu in a blender. Blend until smooth.
by Caralin Walsh
