With the kids back at school, it’s time to revisit what you are packing them for lunch each day.
We know you are busy and doing the best you can. But surely there is more to lunch than potato chips and peanut butter sandwiches!
While you may not have time to cook your child a feast each day, you can pack a quick lunch that is easy and nutritious at the same time. Running out of ideas? Rest assured, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 5 healthy lunch ideas your kids are sure to love:
1. Shapes And Sizes
Try serving your child’s lunch in a new way.
You can create rice rolls, with veggies.
Or even use cookie cutters to cut fruit and meat into fun sizes!
The options are endless.
Your child is used to seeing the same food every day, but by making it interesting, your child is sure to get excited at lunchtime.
You can even go old-school and throw in the famous “ants on a log” which is celery with peanut butter, almond butter, or cream cheese topped with raisins.
2. Kabob Style
Having a hard time getting your child to eat their fruit and veggies?
Take grilled veggies and meat and serve them as a kabob. You can experiment with fun sauces such as teriyaki or bbq.
Fruit and veggie kabobs are also a great healthy alternative to lunch box snacks.
You can cut them into fun shapes or dip them in chocolate.
There are dozens of online recipes you can search to make fun animals and shapes.
Try using grapes and strawberries with chocolate chips to make a caterpillar!
Kids love eating their veggies and fruit from a stick, and this fun lunch idea is sure to be a hit at the lunch table!
3. Dip It
Having a hard time getting your child to eat their fruit and veggies?
Try creating your own homemade dip as a way to entice them.
You can create homemade hummus or guacamole to give your children a fun option to dip their veggies.
Other dip ideas include homemade ranch, ketchup, nut butters, cream cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or fresh salsa.
You can even pack sides so your kids can “create their own lunch.”
Don’t have time to make your own? Parents listed some simple healthy pre-packaged ideas to try:
Dip Dip Hooray!
This totally dippable lunch was a slam dunk, even with picky eaters.
Wholly Guacamole Classic Minis
“The healthy fat will help keep kids full,” says Jessica Cording, R.D., founder of Jessica Cording Nutrition, in New York City.
Crunch Pak Apple Slices
Most kids don’t have enough time at lunch to eat a whole apple—and these wedges won’t turn brown.
Plus: Tortilla chips, grape tomatoes, black beans with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Breakfast For Lunch
Spice it up a bit! Who doesn’t love an occasional breakfast for lunch? You can actually make extra food at breakfast, and save it for lunch!
Scramble up some eggs with mixed veggies and spices. Or even throw in a hard-boiled egg.
Looking for other breakfast options? Try gluten-free pancakes with fresh blueberries.
Throw in a couple pieces of sausage and bacon, and your child will have a feast!
5. Wrap It Up
While sandwiches are quick and easy, children get bored with the same old sandwich bread.
Try using wraps and cutting them into bite-size pieces for a whole new twist.
These days, there are dozens of gluten-free options to choose from, such as coconut, veggie, or spinach.
Wraps are an easy way to sneak in veggies. Try adding simple lettuce and tomato or go bold with shredded cabbage, kale, thinly sliced carrots or sprouts. Be careful not to add wet veggies like cucumbers that will make the wrap (or sandwich) a soggy mess by lunchtime!
You can still use turkey, ham, and your other meat of choice, but serve it in a whole new way.
Toss in some fresh grapes or carrot sticks with homemade ranch, and your child has a nutritious meal.
Try these simple lunch ideas which are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
There’s no need to buy expensive (and unhealthy) convenience foods. By taking a few simple steps, you can make sure your child gets the nutrition they need.
(h/t Mommy Underground)