Lunch Box Ideas
Tired of packing lunches that go completely untouched? It’s time to get creative! Check out our ideas for healthy lunch box vittles that your kids will actually enjoy!
Lunch Box Idea: Sandwich On A Stick
For some reason, my kids won’t eat a sandwich. Of any kind. They like all of its components—the bread, cheese and deli meats—but wouldn’t give a perfectly constructed panini a second look. But I’m too clever for them, at least …
Lunch Box Idea: Homemade Trail Mix
For those kids who are “pickers” and don’t do well with sandwiches and the like, consider making a trail mix with things like nuts, pieces of dried fruit, pretzels, popcorn or whole grain cereals. It’s healthy and gives them energy …
Lunch Box Idea: Silver Dollar Pancakes
Another breakfast for lunch idea, but your kids won’t be complaining. Try getting a healthy buckwheat pancake mix, throw in some blueberries (rich in antioxidants!) and make miniature pancakes. Send along with a little container of maple syrup or jelly …
Lunch Box Idea: Rotisserie Chicken
Whether you buy a cooked rotisserie chicken or prepare one yourself, pull off bite size chunks of the breast meat and send it along with a dipping sauce of their choice (hummus, ketchup, bbq sauce, etc.). Mmmm, protein!
Stuffed Apples
Scoop out the core from an apple; stuff with peanut butter, cream cheese, or other spread. Top with raisins, granola or chocolate chips. Ready to eat in its own little edible bowl!
Deli Mini Dinosaurs
If your kids will eat sandwiches, lucky you. If not, order low-fat deli meats and cheese sliced extra thick; then use dinosaur or farm animal cookie-cutters to cut the slices into kid-friendly shapes. Pack with crackers or bread.
Rice Cake Sandwiches
Kids tired of traditional sandwiches? Try this instead: take two large rice cakes and top with your child’s favorite fixings. For the sweet rice cakes, try using jelly, cream cheese or peanut butter/honey/bananas, yum! For the savory options, try topping …
Chicken Drumsticks
Kids love miniature versions of adult food, especially food they can eat with their hands! Mini-drumsticks are great for packed lunches because you can bake or grill a big batch ahead of time and have them on hand for the entire …
Pita Pizza
Take a whole round pita, cover with sauce and cheese and bake in the toaster oven (or regular oven) at 400°F until the cheese is melted and the bottom is crispy. Cut up into pizza slices and you’re good to …
Cottage Cheese Mixers
Cottage cheese is a good way to add calcium to your child’s meal. The “mixers” can be anything from fruit, diced chicken or turkey, chopped veggies or even salsa. Since most kids love dipping, think about including some corn chips …
Bowl of Cereal
Nothing wrong with a super healthy cereal for lunch! Put the cereal into a bowl with a tight-fitting lid and allow some room for the milk to fill the bowl later. Send milk in an insulated container or buy it …
Lunchtime Smoothie
In a blender, combine 1 cup crushed ice, 1/2 cup nonfat yogurt, 1 ripe banana, 1 tsp. lime juice, 1 tsp. sugar (or to taste). Blend until smooth. Pour into thermos and don’t forget to send a straw!
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Roll meat and cheese slices in a tortilla and slice into pinwheels. Skewer them with a stick to hold together. Pretty! And they taste good, too!
