With school starting up soon, it's time to think about lunches. Do your kids take their lunches or eat at school? My kids take their lunches simply because it's more nutritious and less expensive. Since we buy groceries once a month (except produce), I spent last weekend making up the August menu and list for suppers, snacks, and now lunches.
For their lunches, I made a list of foods they wanted to take and looked at what kind of leftovers we'd have on hand. I don't go crazy simply because I don't want to put a ton of time and effort into it.
A few of the things requested were sweet peppers, Lunchables, french toast sticks, and breakfast burritos. My plan of attack is to double up a few of the meals I'll already be making (like French toast and BBQ chicken sliders) and freeze them. The Freezer Family has a ton of freezer meal ideas. We'll also have things on hand like deli meat, veggies, and fruits.
Packed lunches offer a perfect opportunity to ensure our children receive essential nutrients and stay energized throughout the school day. Let's look at a few ways to pack a wholesome and delicious lunch for the kiddos.
1. Embrace Variety:
Offer a diverse selection of foods to keep your child's lunch exciting and nutritious. Include a mix of whole grains, lean proteins, colorful fruits, and vegetables.
2. Involve Your Kids:
Empower your kids to be a part of the lunch-packing process. When they feel involved, they're more likely to enjoy their meals and appreciate the importance of healthy eating.
3. Pre-Portion with Bento Boxes:
Invest in Bento-style lunch boxes with multiple compartments. These are seriously the best!
4. Opt for Homemade over Processed:
Avoid pre-packaged and processed snacks that are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Instead, prepare homemade versions of cookies, granola bars, and trail mixes.
5. Choose Whole Foods:
Opt for whole foods whenever possible. Instead of white bread, choose whole-grain bread for sandwiches. Replace sugary fruit juices with fresh fruit or water. Whole foods provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting better overall health.
6. Sneak in Veggies:
Kids may not always be enthusiastic about eating vegetables, but you can be creative in incorporating them into their lunch. Add sliced cucumber or bell peppers to sandwiches, pack carrot sticks with a hummus dip, or include a small salad with their favorite dressing.
7. Limit Sugary Treats:
Replace candy bars with natural sweet treats like dried fruit, fresh berries, or a small piece of dark chocolate. This way, they'll enjoy something sweet without overloading on sugar.
8. Balance with Protein:
Protein is essential for growing kids, as it supports their muscle development and keeps them full for longer. Include lean proteins such as grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs in their lunch. You can also add a side of yogurt or a small container of nut butter for dipping fruits.
9. Hydration is Key:
Alongside their lunch, include a reusable water bottle to keep your child hydrated throughout the day. Proper hydration is crucial for concentration and overall well-being.
Packing a healthy lunch for your kids doesn't have to be difficult and forget about trying to pack the perfect lunch. Work within your parameters and, when in doubt, search Pinterest for ideas. Making nutritious eating a part of their daily routine will promote a lifetime of good health and well-being.
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