Watermelon Fresca and Greek Yogurt Popsicles ~ submitted by Lauren Pierini

This refreshing and light Healthy Dessert Recipe submission is perfect for a Summer Potluck or afternoon snack!

Ingredients:

2 cups cubed Watermelon
6-8 Mint Leaves
1 Lime, squeezed
Plain Greek Yogurt
Tajin Spices

Directions:

Using a blender or food processor, mix together the Watermelon cubes, Cucumber and Mint Leaves. When the mix is thoroughly blended into a slush, pour through a fine strainer, catching the liquid in bowl. Squeeze the juice of one Lime into the bowl of Watermelon Fresca.

Pour the Watermelon Fresca into Popsicle molds till they are half full. Place the first layer in your freezer and allow it to freeze completely. Once the first layer has fully frozen add the Greek yogurt to the second half of the Popsicle mold and allow it to also fully freeze.

Serve with a dash of Tajin spices for an extra delicious kick!

Vegan Cashew Pudding ~ submitted by Ailis Roisin of AnthroposDomestica

This Healthy Dessert Recipe submission is a super healthy and tasty treat that will rescue you from your treacherous sweet tooth cravings in the most delicious way. Easy as 1, 2, 3! See Ailis's blog here.


Ingredients:

8 oz Raw Cashews
1 cup Vanilla Coconut Milk (unsweetened)
1 tbsp (or less) Agave Nectar

Instructions:

Place all three ingredients in a blender or food processor.

Blend until creamy and smooth (less than a minute, if that).

Serve. Yes… it is seriously THAT easy!

Other Fun Add-ins:
To make chocolate pudding, add a tablespoon of Cocoa Powder and a touch more Agave Nectar.
Add 1/2 cup any fresh fruit you fancy… Strawberries, Blueberries, Bananas, Mango, Freshly Grated Lemon Zest… near endless possibilities here!

**Keep any extras Refrigerated**

Make Sure You're Ready to Take on 2013!

*** Free shipping available now through 12/24! 

Kids and Cholesterol

By: Andrea Metcalf

Almost 20% of children have high cholesterol.  It may be logical to believe that this disease only affects overweight children, but genetics plays an important role as well and even skinny kids can have high cholesterol.  Fourteen year old Jason Myers is conscious of what he eats.  He was diagnosed with high cholesterol, like his brother and father, when he was only two years old.  When talking with him about his condition, he says "It just means I have to be more aware of what I eat."  

Here are some healthy breakfast and lunch ideas from Jason - "Dinner", he says, "is up to mom!"

Jason preparing an egg white omlette

Breakfast - 

Healthy Egg White Omelette  

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Egg Beaters, 1 cup raw spinach, 1/4 cup feta cheese, light cooking spray

Directions:

Spray the pan and lightly saute the spinach until it's shiny

Add the Egg Beaters ( whip in blender first to make them fluffy) and roll them to edge of pan

Cook until they lightly bubble then flip them over

Add feta cheese to one side of the eggs and fold in half

Slide onto plate

Lunch -
Rolled Turkey Wrap Ups - Take it with you using a great Lunch box from Laptop Lunches


http://www.laptoplunches.com/rss/42/bento-lunchbox-refried-rollups.htmlIngredients:

4 oz lean turkey lunchmeat, 2 large green leaf lettuce leaves, 1/4 sliced into strips red pepper, 2 oz light Cabot cheese, 1/4 cup of sprouts, Lemon slice and bottle of water

Directions:

Start with large lettuce leaves and evenly place, turkey, pepper, cheese and sprouts into each of them

Roll and wrap and place in lunchbox

bring a lemon slice for your water

"Anyone over twelve can make these items and eat healthier", says Jason.  He just may be the next Top Chef!

Andrea Metcalf, a fitness and lifestyle expert, has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America Health and Chicago's NBC 5 .  She is a nationally recognized Speaker, author of the best selling book,  Naked Fitness, Good Day Show radio personality, and producer and host of, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, a reality weight loss show that airs in Chicago on NBC Nonstop. She can be found giving fitness tips, inspirational thoughts and information on living a healthier, happier life at: www.andreametcalf.com.

Creating Balance in 2012

If you're one of the many Americans that have resolved to save money, eat better or live a greener lifestyle in 2012, we hope you're putting your lunchbox to good use! Not sure how a lunchbox can really help you meet your goals? Well, it's time to: 

Resolution: Save money 

Take your lunch with you to work, travel, and on weekend outings. We're not the only one touting this easy money saving technique: 

"Although it can be fun to go out with your co-workers for lunch, the weekly tab can be stressful on your wallet. For example, let’s say you eat a pretty modest lunch even at a chain like Chili’s. You will probably spend at least $10-$12 per meal. If you work 5 days a week, that adds up to $50-60! Instead, you could probably spend $15-$20 on a week’s supply of groceries." 
Henak, B. (2011) 5 Simple Ways to Save money as a Young Professional. Retrieved from: http://newlycorporate.com/2011/06/17/5-simple-ways-to-save-money-as-a-young-professional/


Resolution: Eat better
Give your body the types of foods it needs in the correct portions. Not as easy as it sounds? Let your Bento Set help you create the balance to succeed: 

Resolution: Live a Greener Lifestyle
Making easy changes like reducing your waste is a great first step. According to wastefreelunches.org: 

"Much of the trash we generate comes from the packaging on the food we buy, and lunch foods are no exception. In fact, it has been estimated that on average a school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year. That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school."




Ready to re-think that lunchbox? 
Visit us at, www.laptoplunches.com and we'll help you get started.  

We want to hear your success stories, so please be sure to share now and throughout the year. 

Everyone here at Laptop Lunches would like to wish you a happy, healthy, and successful 2012! 

Holiday Lunch Menu #2 & FREE Shipping

This is the second of seven holiday bento lunch photos that we're posting this holiday season. We hope you like it -- and the FREE shipping too!