Packing a healthy lunch.

I agree that ice packs generally keep things cold. I personally love to bring my own lunches because 1. I know what is in everything that i'm going to eat 2. It's much cheaper 3. It tends to be much fresher and healthier then something i would buy in a food court I like to have a balanced meal that gives me energy to work for the rest of the day. I usually cut up tons of vegetable that don't really need a cooler pack to stay nice. I generally cut up some carrots, red or orange peppers and lots of cucumber. I also like to have yogurt as well (you would probably want to pack this with a cooler pack as well). You can buy them in small single serving sizes. Another way to keep them cold is to put them in the freezer overnight. When you pack it up for lunch you can put a towel around it to catch the condensation. It can also work as a freezer pack. Then you can make a sandwich. It depends on if he eats meat or not but you can put cold cuts or just give him a cream cheese sandwich. Just make sure that you put protein in the sandwich. Then for dessert you can pack a homemade cookie or some fruit. Just give him something that is not too processed but gives him a little sugar. Then for a drink you can send him with a juice box or a reusable water bottle. I'm sure that he will enjoy the lunch and it will prove to make his day feel better.

An ice pack or one of those chill packs should be fine to keep a salad or sandwich fresh and cool enough, as long as it's in an insulated lunch box. Salad is, of course a good option for a healthy lunch. The great thing about salad is that you can eat salad everyday and never have the same salad twice. So if you use romaine lettuce one day, use red leaf lettuce next time, or spinach or dandelion greens. And you can add whatever fresh veggies OR FRUITS you want. Not to mention the addition of lean meats like turkey. Also, a sandwich made with lean meat, whole grain bread, veggies (not just lettuce and tomato -- you can add sprouts, peppers, sliced cucumber, zucchini, etc) and low fat cheese. Mayo should be avoided or low fat. Also, if he's got a thermos -- SOUP. Soup (except perhaps cream based soups) tends to be low in fat and very good for you. Especially if it has lots of veggies in it. Also in the lunch, you can pack fruit, whole grain snacks (like granola bars), nuts, etc. It's very easy to make a good, hearty and healthy packed lunch.

Even if you just give him a Turkey Sandwich on wheat or whole grain bread. Then some yogurt and fruit. That is healthy. I think that the salad idea is great expecially if you are going to add chicken. It is also nice and filling.