Monday Message - Brown Bagging It!

I was recently leading a Chronic Disease Self Management Class and in our problem solving section we tackled a common problem among many people: Hectic Schedules.  Our busy lives tend to stray us away from eating healthy at times and as I brainstormed with my group, we came up with several possible solutions but decided on Brown Bagging It!  This means that we need to take more time to plan out our meals and take food with us on the go.  Even if we are running late to a meeting, sitting in a doctor's office during lunch or have a soccer practice that runs right though dinner time, we need to plan ahead so that we can avoid the convenience of drive-thrus and take home meals.  Avoid convenience?  YES.  Because along with convenience comes, high fat, high salt, high sugar foods or food-like items that are loaded with preservatives.  You may be lucky enough to find a suitable snack but a full meal for a family that is convenient, affordable and nutritious?  Good luck.  Whether you are planning school lunches, work lunches, breakfast on the go or meals between evening activities, Brown Bagging It will help to ensure that your family's meal times are nutritious and keep your pocketbook full. 

Have you ever heard of a Bento Box?  I have seen them on the Food Network and in Frozen Dinners, but never knew they had a fancy name!  Whether for Sushi or fun Lunch Boxes for your Kids, Check out this Video Link from Kids Eat Right to learn more about Brown Bagging in a Bento Box!

Best foods for your Brown Bag:  Leftovers, Healthy Lunch and Breakfast Items, or Foods that require very little Prep...think outside the box! 

• Oatmeal in an Instant by Just Adding Hot Water, Apple Slices and Cinnamon.
• Homemade Breakfast Sandwiches to go.  Make them the night before with Eggs and English Muffins (can be eaten warm or cold).
• No-Lettuce Salad.  Throw your favorite Veggies, Chicken or Tuna and some Raisins in a leftover container with Dressing or Lemon Juice already mixed in (no soggy lettuce to worry about!).
• Soft Shell Cold Chicken tacos with Salsa and Veggies.
• Chili, Soup or even your latest Crock Pot Creation in a Thermos.
• Frozen Meals.....Do not forget to Check the Sodium and Fat.
• Did I Mention Leftovers?