I know what you’re thinking. It’s tough packing healthy lunches for kids. But, I’m here to tell you – it doesn’t have to be! As a registered dietitian, I’m always looking for the best ways to keep my boys’ lunches healthy and fun. With a little bit of planning, it can be easy!
LUNCH PLANNING TIPS:
- Consider your child’s likes/dislikes. Ask them about their favorite foods and what they would like to see in their lunchbox.
- Introduce new foods at home. This is probably one of the best things you can do to get your kid ready for school lunches. If your child has never tried spinach, pair it with one of their favorite foods to encourage trying new things.
- Offer 2 choices from a single food group. Strawberries or bananas? Beans or chicken? Giving them simple options will help them decide quickly!
- Let them help pack their own lunches. Yes, let them! Don’t be afraid to let your child pitch in and help make their lunch. This creates excitement and makes them feel like big kids!
HEALTHY LUNCH PACKING TIPS
So what foods should I include in my kid’s lunchbox? I would suggest a protein, healthy fat, carbohydrate, and a fruit or vegetable. I’ve put together a list of foods that pack well in lunchboxes to help you get started. You don’t have to include all of these options into every lunch. I hope this list makes it easy for you to mix and match an endless number of combinations.
MAIN MEALS
Peanut butter and banana sandwich
Pizza quesadilla
Salad skewers
Tacos with meat/beans, cheese, salsa, and tortilla
Chicken nuggets w/sauce
Ham and cheese sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwich
Chicken Wrap (try serving deconstructed. For example, shredded chicken with pesto, sliced tortilla)
Zucchini pesto pasta
Plain pasta with cheese and/or beans
Meatballs
Dinner leftovers
FRUIT
Apples or Applesauce
Avocado
Banana
Blueberries
Grapes
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Mandarin oranges
Mangoes
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Strawberries
Raspberries
VEGGIES
Bell peppers
Beets – try at home
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery (with peanut butter)
Corn
Cucumber
Peas
Spinach
Sweet potato
Zucchini
Let me know your child’s favorite lunch combinations in the comments below. I can’t wait to see them all!
CHECK OUT THESE COOL LUNCHBOXES ON AMAZON!
Bentgo Kids Brights Bento-Style 5-Compartment Lunch Box
Insulated Soft Bag Mini Cooler