Packing lunches for your kids to take to school can feel like a daily puzzle. How do you create nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals that your child will actually eat? Coming up with healthy school lunch ideas each day is about getting creative.
If you have any questions about your child’s nutrition or are navigating any dietary restrictions, make an appointment with your family medicine provider or their pediatrician.
Tips for packing school lunches kids will eat
Reinvent the sandwich
When brainstorming healthy school lunch ideas, sandwiches are often the first stop. But they don’t have to be boring. Try whole-wheat wraps or pita pockets filled with lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey. Shredded carrots or cucumbers add crunch, and swap mayo for hummus or mashed avocado for a heart-healthy twist.
Use leftovers wisely
Leftovers are a goldmine for healthy school lunch ideas. Think chili, soup or pasta packed in a thermos to stay warm. Homemade versions are best to control sodium, but low-sodium store-bought options work in a pinch.
Make it interactive
Many kids love to dip their food. Include sliced veggies like carrots and bell peppers with a side of hummus or yogurt-based dip. Apple slices with peanut butter or low-fat yogurt are another fun combo.
These interactive meals are great healthy school lunch ideas that encourage kids to eat more fruits and veggies.
Hydration counts
A reusable water bottle is your best bet to keep your child hydrated, but if they want flavor, try fruit-infused water or low-sugar options like unsweetened iced tea. Make sure your child’s school allows them to bring drinks other than water.
Staying hydrated is a key part of any list of healthy school lunch ideas.
Let kids help
One of the most effective ways to get your child to eat a healthy school lunch is to involve them in the process. Let them choose their fruit or pick between sandwich options. Kids are more likely to eat lunch when they help pack it.
Stock smart staples
Keep your pantry stocked with go-to items like string cheese, whole grain crackers, unsweetened applesauce and low-sugar cereals. These staples make coming up with healthy school lunch ideas easy, even on hectic mornings.
Three healthy school lunch recipes
Try these three recipes for quick, healthy school lunch ideas you can endlessly modify.
Silly-face sandwich
Who says cold lunch ideas for kids can’t be fun and healthy? Creating a silly face with your sandwich ingredients makes eating veggies fun. And when kids get to help make these sandwiches, you can be sure they’ll want to eat them.
Start by spreading whole-grain bread or toast with low-fat cream cheese. Use grated carrot or veggie sprouts for the hair, and make eyes out of sliced cucumbers, olives or hard-boiled eggs. Use a cherry tomato half for the nose and create a mouth from sliced apple or red bell pepper.
With so many creative options, this sandwich will surely tickle your child’s funny bone and taste buds.
PB and B rollups
For a healthier take on a classic PB and J sandwich, try peanut butter and banana roll-ups. This kid-friendly lunch idea for school is easy to make and just right for the picky eater. In fact, most kids can do it themselves, with a little guidance from mom or dad.
Mix two tablespoons of your favorite nut butter with one teaspoon of honey and spread across a whole wheat tortilla. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle on a light layer of granola.
Then, peel a banana and cut off the tips. Place it in the center of the tortilla and roll it up like a burrito. Slice into one-inch rolls for the perfect lunchtime bites.
Bento boxes
Are you looking for packed lunch ideas for kids that can get you through an entire week? Enter bento boxes.
These handy lunch boxes are divided into several small compartments. You can prepare ingredients and pack bento boxes for a few days or the whole week. Here is where creativity shines – the combinations are endless. Bento boxes are one of the best school lunch ideas for picky eaters.
Ingredients can include:
- Fruits like grapes, berries, kiwi, or sliced apples, peaches or pears
- Raw veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers or snow peas
- Whole-grain crackers or tortilla chips
- Greek yogurt
- Low-fat cheese cubes or slices
- Diced turkey or chicken
- Mixed nuts
- Whole wheat pretzels
Look for insulated bento boxes and lunch bags to keep your kids’ lunch items safe from spoiling. Sandwich the bento box between two ice packs to keep food cold. These products come in an array of designs and colors so kids of all ages can eat lunch in style. Let your kids pick out their lunch bags and boxes to make lunchtime extra fun.
How we can help
In addition to good nutrition, it’s important to schedule an annual wellness visit for your child to ensure they are growing properly and up to date on their vaccinations. Make an appointment with your family medicine provider or pediatrician.
Learn about the pediatric and primary care services we offer at Mercy Health.
