Be prepared and have food on hand. There is very little practical difference in the nutritional delivery of canned foods compared with their fresh equivalents.* California black ripe olives are convenient and add extra flavor to sandwich fillings.

Getting kids to eat can be a challenge for even the most creative cooks. Kids enjoy mealtime when food is fun, colorful and tasty. Send a plastic bag of California black ripe olives and cheese slices to school. Remember to include at least ten olives - one for each finger!

Prepare a large batch of sandwich filling that the whole family enjoys and chill overnight. For kids, serve on mini bagels, hot dog or hamburger rolls and pita pockets. For adults serve on a croissant, foccacia bread or spread over a bed of greens.

Even if you have to grab a dull sandwich from the deli, experiment with different spreads and toppings like hummus, flavored cream cheese and California black ripe olives

Lunch Time Tips

Chipolte Turkey Wrap

Lunchtime and Your Family

Why aren't we eating at lunchtime? A poll conducted by USA Today shows that 55 percent of Americans use their lunch hour - which averages only 36 minutes - to do things other than eat lunch.

These days, we rely on our lunch hour to accomplish life's chores - picking up the dry cleaning, surfing the Internet or interviewing for a better job. Before you know it, errands have eaten away your lunch hour without having consumed a bite.

"Whatever you do, don't skip lunch," warns registered dietitian Sharon McCauley of the American Dietetic Association. "Skipping lunch can lead to 'out of control' hunger and overeating. And when you are very hungry, you forget about good nutrition."

Lunchtime choices should include easily digestible carbohydrates, like fruits and breads. Carbohydrate intake should be balanced with proteins and fats. California Ripe Olives are a smart source of monounsaturated fat. In moderation, dietary fat provides a steady supply of blood sugar to the body and satisfies the appetite. Without these components, you are likely be hungry by mid-afternoon.

The same nutrition principles apply for your family. School-age children who don't receive a well-balanced lunch often have trouble focusing attention because their blood sugar levels drop during the day. Nutritious and appealing foods at lunch and snack time can help children maintain concentration levels throughout the afternoon and prevent fatigue, irritability and headaches.

To keep your family working smarter throughout the day, try these tips for a balanced and flavorful lunch. And remember, as you plan lunch, think about how that meal fits into the day's diet. For a balanced nutrient intake, it's the total diet - not individual foods - that is important.