Almond Butter and Banana Sandwiches: The Perfect Lunchbox Treat!

Makes one serving

This is my kids' favorites for lunch or an after school snack. It takes minutes to make and is the perfect combination of protein, fat and complex carbs. The almond butter (or sunflower butter as an alternative) is loaded with both protein and omega 3 fatty acids, which sustain energy and concentration. The banana adds just the right sweetness and the star-shaped raisin bread makes this filling snack fun to eat.

Feel free to cut into any shape you like. Better yet, let the kids help cut the bread into shapes or spread the almond butter. Don’t be afraid to let them get messy! Some of my favorite memories involve getting my hands dirty in the kitchen with my grandmother. When kids are involved in making their food, they are usually more invested in eating it. It is a win, win situation. It is my number one tip in helping kids to transition to eating a healthier diet.

Ingredients: 
2 slices of Ezekiel sprouted raisin bread or any whole grain bread
1 tablespoon of almond, cashew or sunflower butter
½ banana, sliced
½ teaspoon flax seed
Drizzle with maple syrup
Cinnamon sprinkled on top, if desired

Directions: 
1. Spread the butter of choice on raisin bread.
2. Slice bananas and then sprinkle with cinnamon, flax seeds and drizzle maple syrup on the bread.

Who is Ezekiel? 
Food for Life's Ezekiel bread, English muffins and bagels are popular products in the whole food community. They get their name from the biblical prophet Ezekiel, who declared in the Book of Ezekiel: "Take also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel and make bread of it." The bread that was eaten by Ezekiel for two years while he was exiled in the desert. It is claimed that the formula’s six grains and legumes, when sprouted and combined, create a protein similar to the protein found in milk and eggs.

Kid-Friendly Hummus Wrap

Kids love to eat what they help prepare. So instead of bearing the burden of what to pack for your children’s lunches or snacks each day, enlist their help. It’s a win, win situation! You will find they eat healthier, have less waste, and you, save time, aggravation and money.

While at first this might seem time consuming and inconvenient, with some proper planning and a couple of easy tricks it can be fun and easy. It also enables us to share some great quality time with our children. Stay tuned for some of my favorite shopping, preparation and getting your kids to eat healthy tips!

Makes 1 3/4 cups hummus, or enough for six or seven wraps

Hummus Ingredients:
1 to 2 garlic cloves
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Sea Salt to taste

3 to 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste


Wrap Ingredients:
4 tablespoons tahini or plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large flour tortilla or whole wheat wrap

1 avocado
1 red pepper or veggie of choice leaves

Directions:

1. Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade, and drop in the garlic cloves. Process until they are chopped and adhere to the sides of the bowl. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, and process until very smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
2.Warm a large flour tortilla for about 10 over a burner, just until flexible.
3. Lay it on your work surface and cover with lettuce leaves, leaving a Place desired amount of hummus (about 1/4 cup) on top of the lettuce on the bottom half of the tortilla. Top with the red pepper, avocado.
4. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling. Fold in the sides, and then roll up, squeezing the tortilla so that the roll is compact. Place the roll on a piece of plastic wrap. Fold in the sides of the plastic over the ends of the wrap, and roll up tightly to secure. Refrigerate for at least five minutes and for as long as 24 hours.