While my kids don’t actually go to school, I find our days run much more efficiently when we have a lunch box packed full of healthy food to keep them nourished through whatever adventures the day has in store. Looking ahead to our new year of school I’ve put together this post full of healthy lunch box ideas.
Sandwich Or Suitable Sandwich Substitute
Depending on tastes or dietary requirement/allergies, here are heaps of ideas:
- Sandwich filling ideas – avocado, cheese, nut butter (if allowed), sunflower butter, jam
- Pancakes
- Wraps
- Popcorn
- Healthy muffin/slice/oat cookies
- Pasta/Noodles/Rice (diet and tastes depending)
See also: 40 Healthy Kids Snack Ideas.
Fruit
Go for whatever is in season and then make it easy and bite sized.
Our favourites include:
- Chopped apple or pear
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Sliced melon
- Grapes
- Chopped Kiwi
- Stone fruit – chopped & pit removed
- Dried fruit – apricots, sultanas, cranberries, figs
Vegetables
Try and avoid introducing new vegetables in lunch boxes. Stick to tried and true vegetables you know that your child/children will enjoy.
I like to incorporate various Bento Accessories into the vegetable portions to bring some fun into their lunch boxes. (Here’s where I get my bento accessories.)
My kids like:
- Cucumber (mine adore little stars!)
- Carrot slices
- Capsicum/Pepper slices
- Tomato (especially cherry tomatoes)
- Spinach leaves
- Frozen Pea/Corn (they thaw by lunch time and my kids adore them!)
See also: 20 Ways To Get Kids To Eat More Veggies In Their Lunch Boxes.
Protein
Depending on school restrictions, personal preferences and allergies, here are a few protein packed healthy lunch box ideas:
- Last nights leftovers – burgers, roast chicken/meat, nuggets, sausages – if your child enjoyed it at dinner then pop a portion in their lunch box the following day
- Nuts (depending on allergies and school requirements)
- Seeds
- Eggs – as french toast, scrambled, an omelet or however else your child likes them that can be easily transported
Wishing you all a year full of nourishing lunch box preparation!
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