Still sticking to peanut butter sandwiches for school lunches? They're a brown bagger's favorite, but today's markets offer lots of new options.

A variety of foods gives children a variety of nutrients and expands their palates. Lunches should include protein, such as meat, cheese or nuts, and should lean more heavily on grains, fruits and vegetables. De-emphasize sweets and fats, but don't instill a fear of fat -- that can create dysfunctional eaters.

Ideas to chew on

• Liven up a meat-and-cheese sandwich with baby spinach.
• Try tortilla wraps, bagels, pita bread, whole-wheat crackers or bread sticks.
• Substitute fresh berries for apples or bananas.
• Offer pretzels or popcorn instead of potato chips.
• Trade sugary drinks, such as soda, for milk or pure fruit juice.
• Keep foods such as chicken salad cool by packing a carton of milk or juice frozen earlier.