Packing Gluten-free Lunch-ables For The Kids

Seems like just yesterday we were talking about what to do for summer vacation and now its already time to talk about the woos of going back to school. The challenges of what new clothes to buy that fit in with the cool group, or what after school activities to do that work into everybodys schedule. There is just a whole slew of things to think about. But one thing that sometimes is forgotten in this life readjustment phase is what are you going to pack everyday for lunch and snacks for your gluten sensitive child.

The grocery shelves are full of great snacks that all the cool kids have in their lunches like crackers, cookies, chips, or candy. Maybe you are one of those parents that like to pack a little healthier lunch with the protein bar or that great chewy granola bar, the sandwich on whole wheat instead of white bread, or the little Lunchable packets with the crackers, cheese and turkey bites.

All this seems great, BUT for those families that have to deal with gluten intolerant children and their special diet needs, filling that brown paper back isnt quite so easy. Did you know that the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that over 3 million children under the age of 18 have food allergies. Thats a whole lot of parents that have to rethink their daily lunch box packing!

Here are some ideas that can be helpful in deciding what to pack in those allergy free lunches.

Lets start with the headliner in the lunchbox, the sandwich. One of the key ingredients of a sandwich of course is the bread. For the gluten intolerant, that bread must be gluten-free. Now keep in mind, not all gluten-free breads are created equal, so I highly recommend the sandwich bread by Kinnikinnick which looks and tastes like regular bread.

If you decide you are going for a meat sandwich, dont forget to check the labels of the meat you choose, many are not gluten free. And for those that like to add condiments, again not all condiments are gluten free, I recommend Vegenaise by Follow Your Heart to replace your mayo needs, the Stone Ground Mustard by Organic Ville for that mustard taste. Both of these products are gluten free and overall healthier for the body.

Now, how about the snacks fruits and veggies are always safe foods, but not always the cool foods, and are the items that more times than not, come back home in the lunchbox. But if you are looking for an assortment of great gluten-free snacks , I would recommend products by Kays Naturals, Soyjoy and Natures Path Envirokidz.

The bottom line on all this is, read labels and get educated. Make your childs lunch-ABLE, not lunch-not-able!

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