Start the new school year out right, with these Healthy Lunchbox Ideas! They are sure to make the busiest of mornings a little less crazy!
Greetings Everyone! Summer Vacation is coming to an end and I’ll be honest, I am not quite ready for the early mornings, the homework and the sports to begin again. My boys on the other hand, both, can not wait to go back to school and see their friends. (I don’t get it either, but I’m happy they’re happy!) To start the school-year off right, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks for Healthy Lunchbox Ideas. Let’s take a look!
Packing, Who Likes Packing?
I will admit, the thing I like least (regarding going back to school) is the packing of lunches every morning. These Healthy Lunchbox Ideas were created, not only for you, but for me to reference later on in the school year when my inspirations fail me!
Packing healthy lunches that my kids WANT to eat is my goal. I try to vary the options, however my youngest has no problem with the same thing days on end. Now, I am not the mom that does the cute cut-out sandwiches or cheese slices, I want to be, but sadly I am not. I do, however, like to add fun messages and I always add a small treat!
First Up…
Some may argue that the “main course” is the most important part of the lunch, while others understand it’s really about getting your kids to eat something (anything!) midday! Here is a list of some of our favorite “main course” ideas: (*V is for Vegetarian options)
- Chicken Nuggets (Try our Almond Flour Bites)
- Peanut Butter (Almond, Sun, etc) and Jelly Sandwiches (V)
- Turkey Roll Ups or Turkey Wraps
- Ham, Turkey, or Roast Beef Sandwiches
- Smashed Lentil Wraps (V)
- Sliced Chicken in a Pita
- Cheese Quesadilla (V)
- Cheese and Crackers (V)
- Veggies Wraps (V)
- Chickpea and Avocado Spread Sandwiches (V)
- Build Your Own Lunchables with Sliced meat, cheese and crackers
- Mac and Cheese (V)
- Soup (Try one of our favorites:Lemon Thyme Chicken Soup)
What About the Sides?
The “extras” I pack for lunches are the items my kids tend to be the most monotonous about, but the items they eat the most of. I usually pack several extras; something crunchy (like pretzels or crackers), a fruit and a veggie. I’ve compiled a list of favorites (the options are really endless!):
- Apples
- Banana
- Oranges (clementines are our favorite)
- Dried Fruit, such as Mangos and Apple Chips
- Berries
- Yogurt
- Nuts (if allowed in your child’s class or school)
- Granola Bars, Z-Bars, Cereal Bars
- Pretzels
- String Cheese
- Salami Sticks or Beef Sticks
- Gold Fish or Bunny Crackers
- Pita Crackers or Chips
- Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Cucumbers, Peppers, etc)
- Popcorn or Puffs
- Trail Mix
Many people have asked about pre-slicing their child’s apple and how to keep it from turning brown. Fresh squeezed lemon juice has been shown to work, but my boys don’t like the taste. I have found that slicing the apple around the core, keeping the pieces touching the core, then wrapping the apple in plastic wrap (or something similar) has been the winner for us.
Sweet Treats
I like to put a small treat in the boys lunch everyday. Now, I’m not trying to spike their sugar levels too high, but who doesn’t like a little sweet at the end of a meal? (But you do you!) Examples of my boys favorites:
- Peanut Butter Cups (Trader Joes are our favorites)
- A Cookie
- Fruit Snack
- A Few M&M’s
- Trail Mix
- Graham Cracker
- Animal Cookies
Equipment Needs:
You can pack a lunch in a fancy lunch box or a simple paper sack. You can use ziplock baggies or reusable containers (which is what I do…most of the time :-). What ever you do, that’s A-ok. Here is a list of items I have and use regularly:
- Lunch Bags
- Sandwich Containers
- Divided Containers
- Rubber Cupcake Cups (for snacks)
- Sandwich Picks/Kabob Picks
- Soup Thermos (not pictured)
- Water Bottles (I’m a big fan of the Simply Modern brand)
I bought all of the above items at Target (not an ad, just a fact). Amazon, Walmart, or any other retailer would have similar options. I love the idea of the more expensive boxes like Bento, Yumbox, Planetbox, etc. However, my boys are notorious for forgetting lunch containers at school, so I am sticking with the cheaper versions right now. (I know many of you can relate!)
Hopefully this compilation of Healthy Lunchbox Ideas will help make your busy school mornings, a little bit smoother. Remember, how ever you pack your child’s lunch, you are doing a great job and our kids appreciate it (they just don’t know it! lol).
Cheers to a happy school year! Now, who wants a coffee date?
Happy Packing!
Nancy
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