728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Back to Preschool Headquarters › In the Box

In the Box

Packing an Organic Lunch

By Donna Smith

Pages:  1  2  

Anthony Zolezzi, author of Chemical-Free Kids (Kensington Publishing, 2003), says organic fruits and vegetables have higher brix (density of nutrients) and oric (antioxidant value) levels. "If produce is heavy on the pesticides, then the child's body spends all morning burning up the toxins instead of utilizing the nutrients in the food," he says. And although organic products have shorter shelf lives, they do not contain the trans-fats that have been proven to impact childhood obesity or preservatives or dyes, he says.

Organic Options
Many parents have trouble keeping a child's lunch interesting as it is and worry that buying only organic would limit their options even more. Not so, say both Cooper and Zolezzi.

"There are just as many choices and possibilities with organic food as conventional food and the big plus – it tastes better," says Cooper. She says all types of foods – from fruits and vegetables to soups to crackers and cookies – are available organic.

For those who want to start off slowly with selected organic products for their child's lunch, Cooper says to "take baby steps" and buy products that the child consumes the most. Good items to start with are organic milk, juice, apples and carrots, she says.

And don't be afraid to ask for help. "Go to the local natural food store and ask for help, and you'll be amazed how easy it is," says Zolezzi. "Most of the staff at these natural food stores are very knowledgeable and friendly."

Chicken Caesar Wrap

By Chef Ann Cooper

1 1/2 pounds chicken, roasted and picked (if not homemade, store-bought rotisserie is a great alternative!)
2 1/4 tablespoons organic Caesar dressing
1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
6 6-inch organic tortillas
Salt and pepper, to taste

Toss the lettuce in the Caesar dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. Place about 4 ounces of chicken in the center of each tortilla and top each with 1/4 cup of salad. Fold ends in, roll and serve. Makes six servings.


Pages:  1  2  


Want to see more?