Packing a Healthy Lunchbox

Back to school time is here!  While you are preparing your kids for school this year, don’t forget to think about this important question: “What are you going to pack in your child’s lunch?” I thought I would get a little more creative this year instead of the same peanut butter and jelly sandwich day after day (although my son will still be getting this sandwich some days because he loves them).   I pack different lunches for myself everyday, so why not make it a little more exciting for my son too (and healthy, of course!)  I wanted to share my lunch ideas and recipes with you.  These ideas are meat and dairy free and provide many essential nutrients that kids need.  I realize that some schools have peanut free policies, so adjust your choices accordingly.

Each lunch box should include foods from the categories below:

1. Protein.  Includes beans, legumes, edamame, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, almond butter and nut-free sunflower seed butter. 
2. Grains.  Rice, whole wheat bread and pasta, oats, quinoa, couscous, barley, rye.
3. Fruit. This is an easy one! Most kids love fruit.  The fruits that pack well are, oranges, grapes, berries, watermelon, apples (with lemon juice to prevent browning if apples are sliced).
4. Vegetables.  Choose your child’s favorite so the veggies won’t come home! Try salad on a stick, veggie pasta salad, added veggies in a wrap, veggies with a favorite dip.
5. Calcium.  I choose to use non-dairy items, which can include: coconut or soy yogurt, vegan cheese slice on sandwich, vegan cream cheese spread, beans, tofu, almonds or spinach.
6. Something Crunchy.  This can be a fun category (but of course there are always healthier versions of some crunchy snacks). Pretzels, rice cakes, flax crackers, tortilla chips, popcorn.
7.  Sweet Treat.   Can also fall under the grain and protein group with our No Bake Protein Bites. Also try,  granola bars or muffins.  Sweet "treats" can be healthy too! Check out our recipe section "Sweet Treats" for some options.  

 Other Lunch Box Tips:

• Ask your kids what they would like to have in their lunch. I always ask my son for his input to make sure he will always like what I pack!
• If your kids are old enough, let them help out in the kitchen with the preparation.
• Plan ahead - Prepare the night before to avoid rushing in the mornings!
• Make it colorful.
• Provide variety. Try different things each week so your kids won't get tired of having the same old thing! 

Below are some lunch box ideas with links to the recipes.    I love using Easy Lunchboxes which are bento style containers.  Check them out here: Easy Lunchboxes, Snack Box  Containers and Dip Containers and Silicone baking cups (for packing extra snacks in box - see photos below)

Box 1 - Peanut Butter & Jelly, pretzels, orange and No Bake Protein Bites

Box 2 - Colorful Vegetable Pasta Salad, grapes, flax crackers

Box 3 - Black Bean and Corn Salsa Wraps, grapes, tortilla chips, almonds
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Box 4 - Red Bell Pepper Hummus Wraps, orange, edamame, No Bake Protein Bites

Check out our full video below for a demonstration of the four lunch box ideas above. 
LINK TO VIDEO HERE: youtu.be/IPOtBpzCQ4M
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​When my mom packed my lunch in my early school days, she would always write a short note on the napkin for me.  The notes would say things like, “Have a Nice Day, “I Love You”, “You are Great”!  I would always look forward to opening my lunch box and seeing my note.  My mom put time and effort into our lunches, and the extra touches were so special to me.  I want to do the same for my son.  Even though my son is old enough to pack his own lunch, I still like to pack it for him.  Do what works for you and your family!

The photo below is a flashback to my son getting ready for Kindergarten! I always love buying school supplies every year, especially new lunch boxes and containers!  Happy Back to School!