Unfortunately, there is some cause for alarm when it comes to peanuts or other types of nuts. I have a friend who’s highly allergic to all nuts except peanuts and just had his worst ER visit ever a few months back. My little nephew, who’s just starting kindergarten this year, is seriously allergic to both peanuts and cashews, which is a concern since kids tend to share their food pretty freely and might not have any idea what their packaged foods or homemade goodies really contain.

On the bright side, I must say, my nephew’s mom is awesome about teaching him healthy eating habits since she grew up eating and cooking fresh, healthy foods in a rural farming area of Japan.

Lori: Nice job teaching that indulgences are OK in moderation. That is definitely an idea that I think is often lacking in our society. Interesting that not eating much sugar when you were young made you overindulge later, though. When I was young, there was never sugar available in my house and, as a result, I now strongly dislike sugar. Then again, my parents were not restrictive, they just never kept it around so maybe that is similar to what you are doing.

Finally, I remember when I was younger, a thermos full of hot soup was the ultimate treat in my packed lunch. (Especially after recess in the middle of winter on the east coast) Making an easy, homemade, vegetable or bean-laden soup on the weekend would be an easy way to make this a very healthy lunch!

I don’t want them to struggle with obesity like I did!

I like all of your ideas. I printed them out, because I don’t want to forget them!