Healthy Lunch Ideas as We Start New School Year

 

 Well it's that time of year again. School starts this Wednesday for my kids, which not only means getting back to the routine of homework and earlier bed times but the undaunting task of packing lunches.  It's not just the task of packing lunches but packing healthy lunches for the kids.  I've always tried to assure they had good healthy lunches but as a working mom with a busy schedule it was not always easy to pack the healthiest of meals out of convenience.  My kids were never big on the school lunches as the majority of what they served is processed and not the best options.   So this year I'm on a mission to add some variety (aside from the simple PB & J sandwiches) healthy options for the kids so that I can insure they are eating healthy and enjoying what is in their lunches.

I found this guide that can help as packing lunches to assure the kids are getting something from each of the food groups:

My kids love lunchables & as an alternative I found these handy containers that I will be getting to make our own "lunchables" a little healthier version but either way I love the compartments in these containers:

Our biggest challenge is trying think of healthy ideas to send in their lunches while adding variety so they aren't BORING....

Some simple ideas:

Turkey wraps on whole wheat tortillas, add a little lettuce, cucumber, matchstix carrots (a great way to get to eat their veggies)

Peanut butter banana wrap- taking a whole wheat tortilla spread some natural peanut butter over it, slice up a banana and roll it up.  You can slice into two halves or little pinwheel shapes.

One of my kids favorite lunchables is the pizza one.  This could be easily recreated with a little pita bread some pizza sauce in one of the compartments and a little shredded cheese.

Love this idea of sandwich Kabob, pre-making jello the night before so it settles in the container for the next days lunch (my kids will love this)

Snack ideas can include:

• pretzels
• fresh veggies cut up with either hummus or ranch dressing
• fresh fruit- cut up
• greek yogurt with fresh berries
• apples slices with peanut butter
• cheese sticks
• yogurt shakes
• goldfish crackers
• trail mix (make your own raisins peanuts, cashews, M & M's)
• popcorn

The key is to add variety and maybe a little creativity as you pack these lunches and the kids will enjoy. Have the kids get involved by coming up with healthy choices and even helping to pack their own lunches. These are some ideas to get you started.  Be sure to check back because as the school year progresses I'll be adding more ideas and photos.