We all know how important it is that our kids eat healthy right at the beginning stages of their life, so we try to heed the food groups (breads and grains, fruits and veggies, meats and dairy) when packing their lunch bags. However, as many parents know, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. But before you grab those stale chips, just remember that packing something healthy into the kids’ lunch bags doesn’t always have to be difficult or boring!

• Get the kids involved

From grocery trips to packing healthy school lunches, by letting your kids be part of what goes into their lunch bags, you’re helping them get excited about health at an early age. Sit down with your kids and plan a menu ahead of time, thus allowing them to eat what they like while avoiding the early morning panic.

• Find the right packaging: Insulated Lunch Bags and Lunch Coolers

With the perfect lunch-packing tools, there’s no limit to the types of food you can include. Insulated lunch bags, lunch coolers and thermoses make it possible to pack anything hot or cold – and ensure it stays that way by the time lunch period arrives. Insulated lunch bags covered in cool shapes or funky colored lunch coolers also add a little amusement for the kids. So don’t be afraid to send tasty dishes like soup or cottage cheese.

• Make food fun!

Take some time to add peanut butter smiles to those apple slices or cut that lunch meat into fun shapes! Food crafts can be an enjoyable part of your ritual with the kids the night before (even if your kids are in junior high or older). The older ones might tell you you’re “lame" for adding goofy food into their lunches, but you can bet they secretly smile at the gesture.

With a little planning and some help from the kids, there’s no reason to be scrambling around every morning, looking for the right lunchtime meal. And who knows, opening up that bag containing smiley face apple slices at the office may brighten your day as well!