What do you think of this lunch?

[Anonymous]

Fairly high in simple carbs, as you know. Tough with the dairy allergy. Have you tried any of the vegan proteins or cheeses?

[Anonymous]

I think it looks ok. Maybe add some hummus if he'll eat it. DD likes to eat hummus "...with a spoon, Mama, not a cracker!"
As long as he is getting protein at other times of the day he should be fine.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't seem very filling. My DC would be bouncing off the walls from the simple carbs and processed foods.

[Anonymous]

I agree there are too many carbs. Try some sunflower seed butter to put on the bagel. It's nut-free, but looks like peanut butter so you might want to include a note in the lunch in case an adult tries to confiscate it.

[Anonymous]

protein to drink-- soymilk? (I would even give vanilla or choc soymilk if it means it'll get consumed, but I am more relaxed about sugar for active youngsters than most here, I see.)

or baked chickpeas as a snack, with seasoning?

is there anything your kid requests? I'd probably take my kiddo to the Trader joes or whole foods and try to pick out some good options together. but you know, if he makes up for it w/ a good breakfast and dinner, this seems fine to me. no dairy, no meat, and no nuts is hard!

[Anonymous]

In addition to protein, I'd think about fiber. Sweet potatoes? What about mini-sandwiches (wholegrain)made into fun shapes w cookie cutters. Honey on carrots. Chk salad with raisins. Muffins made w applesauce and some grated veggies?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
In addition to protein, I'd think about fiber. Sweet potatoes? What about mini-sandwiches (wholegrain)made into fun shapes w cookie cutters. Honey on carrots. Chk salad with raisins. Muffins made w applesauce and some grated veggies?

Raisins have a crap ton of fiber.

Falafel

Flavored or smoked tofu

Veggie dog or hot dog

Protein powder & soy milk

Avocado

Pepperoni slices (from whole foods)

Quinoa

Homemade protein bar

[Anonymous]

My kids love the Tom's turkey pepperoni sticks from Whole Foods. Also, instead of pretzels, how about a higher fiber, higher protein alternative like lentil chips.

[Anonymous]

French toast sticks? At least there's egg in it.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it is bad at all given your restrictions. I'd probably drop the pretzels and replace it with another fruit or veg your child will eat. Or no replacement (half a bagel plus fruit and an applesauce would be plenty lunch for many elementary school aged kids, esp if they get a snack at school, too). I often notice people on this site throwing out hummus as a high protein option - 2T of hummus only has 2g of protein - I love hummus but it really doesn't beef up your protein intake. Also, nut butters/sunflower seed butter tend to be pretty high in sugars, so I don't view them as a great addition either. You could include a baggie of dry high protein cereal to his lunch. Also, I'd make sure your kid eats a breakfast high in protein and he's probably fine with that lunch until his tastes broaden a bit and you can add deli meat or hard boiled egg or left overs, etc.

[Anonymous]

look at this site for some ideas. I've recently started following her and she has some great ideas for kids lunches.

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/

[Anonymous]

I'd actually say 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily for a small child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd actually say 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily for a small child.

RDA is much less than that. Too much protein can harm your kidneys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd actually say 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily for a small child.

RDA is much less than that. Too much protein can harm your kidneys.

That's what Dr. Sears recommends.