As I finish up all of our paperwork for enrolling my girls to go to first grade and preschool--where did the time go?!--I put together a list of healthy lunch ideas for the coming school year. It's so easy to fall into the everyday-is-pb&j routine because it is easy and fast, but my kids always enjoy some variety. It is healthier too! The bento box trend is alive and well. Even though I love putting together an aesthetically pleasing lunch, I tend to fall somewhere in the middle--the lunch can be pretty, but it has to come together fast. With the hot Texas weather sticking around well into fall, their Klean Kanteen water bottles are a must and I always try to stick a little love note in to encourage them mid-day.
Lunch options ::
- Almond butter and jam on whole wheat
- Organic cherry tomatoes
- Organic watermelon wedges and blueberries
- Fruit leather -- look for natural brands or make your own
- Brown rice and bean chili in a thermos
- Organic sliced carrots
- Tortilla chips and fresh tomato salsa
- Organic Apple slices, plain or served with nut butter
- Peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat
- Handful of cashews
- Organic sweet corn
- Organic peach
- Tomato soup in a thermos
- chicken or turkey wrap
- Organic cucumber slices with cream cheese
- Organic grapes mixed with carrot slices
- yogurt cups or tubes
- boiled eggs
- tuna salad with triscuits and cheese slices
- prunes
- popcorn made with coconut oil and light sprinkle of salt
- sweet peppers, veggies with Newman's own ranch cup
- cottage cheese & tomatoes
- Fruit or veggie kebabs
- A healthier version of one of our favorite cookies--Oatmeal Cranberry
A great recipe book with healthy lunch ideas!
Image credits here