You can try a combination of many common garden variety herbs like lemon balm, camomile, mints, sages, flowers like rose geranium and fruit like citrus, berries and even veggies like cucumbers.

We liked the mint because of its cooling qualities especially beneficial on hot days and we loved the addition of Rose Geranium that added the most wonderful hint of rose that was such a surprise taste for many folks. We also added sliced lemon and orange. The combination of these tastes was really quite delicious and refreshing!

How to:

In a quart sized mason jar, fill 1/4 full with fresh herbs, washed, with leaves pulled off of stems. Discard stems and damaged or bruised leaves. Fill the rest of the jar with water and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 2 days. Strain and enjoy!

Here are five ways to pack a healthy lunch that will sure please your crew:

1. Kids make their own!
2. Pack a lunch with POW!
3. Mix it up, Stir it up!
4. Drink like a fish- Water, of course!
5. Your attitude matters!

1. Have your kids make their own school lunch! Depending on age, of course. Getting your kids involved in preparing food early on in life is one of the best gifts you can give to them. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

Giving the child choice and a voice in what they eat goes a long way in making sure your kid actually enjoys her lunch so it doesn’t end up on the trading room floor. Mom, dad or sibs can assist 1^st – 6^th graders in the lunch making process.  Children are capable of all kinds of cooking tasks. They can chop, spread, stir, peel, grate, and mix. Set your family up for success and plan ahead for the groceries you need for the week.  Keep the fridge and pantry stocked with healthy choices to support your budding chefs.

The older kids get, the more adept and independent they become in making lunches for themselves. They’ll be bragging about the amazing sandwich creation they made and the awesome lunch they packed before you know it.

**Disclaimer** However, if you ask them to pack their lunch when they are still bleary eyed they might not think your idea is so great and would rather sleep in, but hey, we’re the parents and we know what’s best for them! Stay positive!

2. Pack nutrient dense foods that provide long lasting energy and good mental focus. Make sure lunch includes:

• 2 servings of proteins-beans, nuts, seeds, dairy, high quality meats
• 2 serving whole grains (bread, pasta, rice, tortillas)
• 1 serving seasonal fruit
• 2 servings organic veggies

3. Mix it up. Stir it up! Try a variety of lunch ideas that move beyond the same-old same-old sandwich. Experiment with making wraps, soups (warm up in the morning and pack in metal thermos), pita pockets, or my kids’ favorite, leftovers from the night before.

4. Drink like a fish! Water of course! Yep, send the kids to school (and their sporting events) with plain ol’ water! Kids de-hydrate faster than adults and there is no better way to quench thirst than with water. Water water water. We need about half our bodies weight in ounces in water every day. Leave the fruit and sweetened drinks behind.

5. Your attitude matters – You are your kids biggest advocate for healthy eating. Let them know how grateful you are that they eat such yummy healthy foods. Kids are influenced by advertising which misleads and confuses them.  Four out of 5 food advertisements push sugary cereals, snack foods, candy, soft drinks, and fast foods according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Be the ad your kids hear most!