If there’s one thing that bothers me about my morning routine, it’s making my kids’ lunch. Every Sunday I grocery store channeling the Barefoot Contessa, eager to prepare healthy and creative lunches.
But by the time Friday morning rolls around, the kitchen pantry is nearly empty and it’s another PB&J with a bag of chips randomly thrown into their lunch boxes. Should I be surprised when they come home in a bad mood? Absolutely not. When I feed my children healthy meals, they are happier and follow my instructions enthusiastically. When I feed my children meals that can be found in the aisles of the nearest convenience store, it’s like a bomb of emotions has exploded in our house.
The elementary school my kids attend doesn’t offer a lunch program, so it’s up to me to make sure I send them a healthy lunch for the day. In our school district, there are 185 school days. With two kids, that means I have to pack 370 lunches during the school year. So it’s no wonder that I sometimes easily fall into a rut. I’ve gathered some of my best practices and do a deep dive into some amazing areas and healthy lunch ideas for kids this will lead to a healthier and happier day.
Weekly preparation
Preparing and packing daily lunches can be time-consuming. I found that getting ready on Sunday afternoon worked best for me. After our family’s weekly grocery shop, I wash all the fruits and vegetables, cook chicken breasts and other proteins that I will use for the week, and make sure all lunch boxes are clean. I write down what I’m going to take for lunches each day. I try to incorporate leftovers from our weekly dinners as much as possible because it’s both economical and saves me time. I love the simplicity and organization of bento boxes. They’re waterproof, keep food separated, and help me get visually organized.
Amazon | Bengo
An editors’ favorite for preschoolers and early elementary schoolers, the Bentgo Lunch Box features five compartments perfectly designed for kids. Plus, it’s also waterproof so your little ones don’t have to worry about spilling it while carrying it around.
several colors and patterns available
Amazon | EasyLunchbox
Dishwasher and microwave safe, this four-pack of bento lunch boxes comes in two color sets.
Target | Lunch robots
This food container may seem small, but it can still hold all of your child’s treats in its three compartments. The stainless steel design is dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
3 colors and different sizes available
Creative Meal Ideas for Lunch Boxes
1. Easy Tortilla Pizzas
Do you have leftover tortillas from taco night? Perfect! Turn them into these easy and delicious pizzas that are every bit better than the coveted Lunchables.
Source: MOMables
2. Baked chicken meatballs
Meal prep friendly options are always my favorite when it comes to packing kids’ lunches. I love these meatballs that I can make on Sunday and store in the fridge until ready to eat.
Source: Pinch of Yum
3. Cheese Quesadillas
Whether I reach my goal of meal prepping on Sunday or inevitably find myself making something for the kids’ lunch boxes on Thursday morning, quesadillas are a great option. They take minutes to make and my kids love eating them.
Source: Isabelle eats
4. Caprese sandwich with parsley pesto
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with the classic turkey sandwich, but they get old quickly. Switch things up a little with this sub sandwich they’ll ask for again and again.
Source: Jessica in the kitchen
5. Healthy Hamburger Helper
I know there are kids who could live happily on Hamburger Helper, but no parent wants them to constantly eat something like that. This recipe is the best of both worlds with their favorite flavors in a healthy alternative.
Source: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
6. Baked broccoli
Help your little ones get their veggies for the day in the tastiest way possible with these toddlers that mimic their favorite potato snack, but make it healthy.
Source: Family food on the table
7. Mini egg frittatas
Egg Bites are always great because the ingredients can be customized and they will still be high in protein.
Source: I love nap time
8. Egg and Avocado Salad Sandwich
Egg salad is another great sandwich option to keep in mind for school lunches. Make it healthier by adding nutrient-rich avocado for a flavorful twist.
Source: MOMables
9. Crispy oven-baked chicken fillets
I can’t think of a single child who would say no to a lunch box full of chicken tenders. This recipe will absolutely be in regular rotation throughout the school year.
Source: Family food on the table
ten. Vegetarian hummus wrap
Healthy lunch ideas should always be added to the mix, and there’s nothing better than this wrap filled with colorful veggies and creamy hummus.
Source: Kristine’s kitchen
11. Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Not only does this recipe have the creaminess of avocado and protein of chicken to keep your little one satisfied all afternoon, but it can also be made in 10 minutes or less.
Source: Eat the winnings
12. Fish stick
Frozen fish sticks from a can will never compete! This recipe is great because it uses the air fryer to ensure the sticks are crispy every time. Plus, you have the option of freezing them and having them on hand whenever you want.
Source: Plated desires
13. BLT Chicken Salad
You can never go wrong making a sandwich for lunch. But opting for a full BLT probably isn’t the easiest option. With this recipe, kids get all the best flavors of a BLT without the mess.
Source: Kitchen in cupboard
14. Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This is one of our favorite lunch ideas because we can make it for dinner the night before and then send it to school with the kids for leftovers. Consider this a lighter version of a family favorite that doesn’t compromise a single ounce of flavor.
Source: Family food on the table
15. Ground Turkey Flautas
These turkey flautas are another great option to make at home and send to school as leftovers. They’re as lean as they are delicious and can be made in the air fryer or baked in the oven.
Source: Basil and sparkling
16. Apple, ham and cheese wraps
When I find myself in a bind at the end of the week as errands dwindle, this is a great option to turn to. These apple and ham and cheese roll-ups can be made with ingredients that I almost always have on hand. They’re also the perfect sweet and savory combination.
Source: MOMables
17. Pizza on a plate
Not only is this recipe completely customizable, but it can be made in 30 minutes. Make it as healthy as you want while ensuring your child will be excited when they eat lunch.
Source: I love nap time
18. chicken and vegetable soup
Kids will feel right at home when they open their lunch with homemade chicken soup. This recipe is loaded with chicken and vegetables. Put it in a quality thermos and it will still be warm by the time lunch arrives.
Source: Detoxing
19. turkey burgers
This healthy turkey burger is sure to keep kids full until the end of the day. Lunch ideas are best when they can be prepared in advance, and this is a great option for achieving that.
Source: Tasty cuisine
20. Chicken skewers
We can never go wrong with chicken, veggies, and our little ones’ favorite dip. Just leave the skewers at home!
Source: Bless this mess
21. Hidden vegetarian lasagna
Some children just don’t like to eat their vegetables. When we encounter this problem, it’s good to have a hidden vegetarian recipe on hand. Kids and parents will love this lasagna recipe that masks the flavors of the vegetables it contains and can be prepared gluten-free.
Source: RachelLmansfield
22. DIY Chipotle Burrito Bowl
If you can’t go a week without hearing “Can we have Chipotle?” » compromised with this copied recipe. The kids will show it off in the dining room telling their friends it’s the real deal.
Source: What Gaby cooks
