School lunches usually consist of a sandwich and bag of chips, right? That can get boring after a few weeks of the same ole’, same ole’. After about the third week of school, many moms will get this familiar, whiny statement from their kid…. “not another sandwich, Mom!”. While sandwiches are cheap, quick and easy, they are not your only option. Mix it up by fixing something different for your kids this school year. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative!
Make It A Wrap
A quick and easy alternative to a sandwich is a wrap. Anything that goes in a sandwich can go in a wrap. Turkey and ham are popular choices in our house, as well as several different kinds of cheese. You can add lettuce, tomato, or any other favorite veggies. Hummus and cucumbers make a delicious vegetarian lunch option.
When you’re done adding your toppings, roll it up like a burrito and cut it in half. Add a side of carrot sticks, apple slices, grapes, pretzels, or a small salad to go along with the wrap. And of course the salad dressing, preferably Ranch in this household, for dipping. You can pick up individual salad dressing packets at the grocery store or use an airtight container. Just make sure the airtight container is sealed well so your kid doesn’t end up with Ranch dressing all over their lunch! …not that I would know about that!
Who Doesn’t Love Lunchables?
Most kids love lunchables. Who am I kidding…I love lunchables! The selection of lunchables at the grocery store that we actually like is very slim, so I like to make my own. This is cheaper in the long run, plus I get to add healthier choices like fruits and veggies instead of the cookies. Pick up a couple of small containers like the handy bento boxes and grab your family’s favorite lunch meats and sides. If your kids like the meat and cheese chunks, pick up a block of their favorite cheese and some deli lunch meat. Add some veggies, fruit or nuts to the container and you’re done! We use carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, grapes, sliced apples, stawberries, and pineapple. Occasionally, I’ll add some cashews or almonds to the mix. You can also use crackers with cheese and lunch meat, as well as peanut butter in place of the chunks of lunch meat and cheese. Home made lunchables are great because you can customize them to include foods that you know your kid will eat.
Include some of your kid’s favorite snack food, such as popcorn, trail mix, pretzels, veggie sticks chips, or dried fruits. Grab a container with lots of little dividers (bento boxes are perfect) and fill them up with kid-friendly favorites.
****Some schools do not allow peanut butter due to nut allergies. Our school does allow peanut butter in lunches, but not for snacks for the whole classroom. Check with your school policy prior to sending peanut butter.
Healthy Salads For Lunch
Salads are another great lunch option, particularly for older children. Get a container with a tight fitting lid and add all your child’s favorite salad ingredients minus the dressing in there.
Start with a bed of lettuce greens, add raw veggies, croutons, bacon bits, nuts and seeds and the likes. Top it with a source of protein like cheese, hard-boiled egg, ham or turkey, or even some grilled chicken.
Pack dressing in a separate container along with a fork and napkin and lunch is done. You can assemble the salad the night before and store it in the fridge. The key is to make sure all your ingredients are very dry. If you’re washing your lettuce, use a salad spinner, or dry it on some paper towels before starting to pack it. Cutting everything into small bite-sized pieces will ensure that the lunch time salad is easy to eat.
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Do you have any secret, healthy lunches that your kids love? I would love to hear from you! Share your healthy lunch ideas and help a mother out!
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