If you’re like us, you start thinking about your midday meal around, say, 10:30 in the morning. But you don’t have to be frightened by what’s getting dished out in the caf. Yvette Garfield, author and founder of the Handstand Kids Cookbook Company, shared some tips for how to make school lunch better for ya.




Follow the new golden rule

Try to avoid any foods that are a shade of golden brown—that means all fried foods like tater tots, french fries, chicken fingers and onion rings.



Milk is good, sugar is not

Skip past sweet drinks, including juices and flavored milks. “The easiest way to improve your diet is to switch from soda to water,” she reminds us. Regular moo juice (or soy milk) is always a great pick.



Make a beeline for the salad bar

A recent study found that kids eat more veggies when they’re at the front of the line, so hit the greens first. Eat as much of the fresh foods as possible. Salad bars, fresh fruits and vegetables are always the best way to go.



The Ultimate Brown Bag Lunch

Always bring, never buy? Yvette shared a yummy recipe from the Handstand Kids Mexican Cookbook. Take leftover grilled chicken and pop it on whole-grain French bread. Top it with avocado, lettuce and salsa. For sides, try carrot sticks with low-fat dip or orange slices. Can’t live without a serious sweet? “Try a few pieces of dark chocolate as an occasional dessert.” Totally delish.