Lunchtime Makeovers

The Meat Hater

The word vegetarian often evokes images of big bowls of beans, fresh vegetables, and interesting whole grains. But a picky toddler or preschooler who doesn't like meat may end up eating nothing more than cream cheese on a white bagel every day. To add some nutritional oomph (read: vegetables) to a meat-free lunch, try one or both of our fun and delicious bagel creations. (If regular bagels seem too big for the littlest mouths, use mini bagels.)

Rockin' Broccoli Bagel

• 1/2 medium whole wheat bagel
• 1 tbsp. pasta sauce
• 1 tbsp. cooked broccoli florets (you can use leftovers), coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsp. preshredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese

Spread pasta sauce evenly over the bagel half. Sprinkle with broccoli and cheese. Place on aluminum foil and heat in toaster oven at 300 degrees F. until the cheese melts and pasta sauce is heated through, about 3 minutes.

South-of-the-Border Bagel

• 1/2 medium whole wheat bagel
• 1 tbsp. fat-free refried beans
• 1 tbsp. frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 2 tbsp. shredded, reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Spread refried beans evenly over the bagel half. Sprinkle with corn and cheese. Place on aluminum foil and heat in toaster oven at 300 degrees F. until the cheese melts and beans are heated through, about 3 minutes.

Serve with a fruit smoothie: Blend 1 cup 100-percent fruit juice, 1/2 ripe banana, a handful of frozen berries, and vanilla yogurt. Makes 2 to 3 smoothies.