Since your kids like noodles, why not send them to school with a thermos filled with their favorite noodle combination or soup? Simply warm the food in the microwave and preheat the thermos before you fill it. It'll be warm and yummy at lunch time.

Or create your own Lunchable-type kit. Buy small plastic containers and fill one with a healthy dip such as flavored yogurt, hummus or salsa. Fill another container with sliced fruit or grapes, or experiment with different type of "dippers" such as cucumber sticks, sliced peppers, even whole green beans. If they don't like veggies, try whole-grain crackers or quartered tortillas.

They can even build their own sandwiches if you send the ingredients. Fill one of the boxes with whole-wheat crackers, pita bread or tortillas cut into quarters, another box with cheese slices and another container with dip or a spread (such as nut butter, tomato sauce, hummus, salsa or guacamole). Put all the boxes in a colorful lunch box along with an ice pack, a drink and send it with your children to school.

Ask your children for help with ideas on what to put in the boxes. Kids often have great ideas. And they're more likely to eat the foods they choose!