How to Put Healthy Back Into School Lunches
Ideas from ‘The Healthy Lunch Box’
A new school year is just around the corner, and with it comes planning and prepping lunches for the kids. Helping your children get the best nutrition in their tummies is easier than you think! Here we share a couple tips and a fun lunch idea from our ebook ‘The Healthy Lunch Box!’ (See below for how to win a free copy!)
What To Put In Their Lunches?
Many schools have strict policies that packed lunches cannot include nuts. This means no garden burgers, pates or desserts with any nuts or nut butters. PLUS, the food has to hold up for about three hours without a fridge. Let’s face it, school lunches are tough, but here are a few helpful suggestions.
Things to Include:
- Loads of fresh fruits and berries
- Freshly ground sesame seeds mixed with a bit of honey
- Manna Bread (sprouted grain breads)
- Rice and sushi loaded with veggie strips
- Vegetable crudités
- A cool pack with a smoothie
- Bean salads (chick peas, sprouted lentils, etc.)
- Rice cakes
- Veggie pâté
Don’t feel guilty about keeping it simple. Let your kids be a beacon of color and include cute notes, loving messages, and little surprises, too. Nothing is more beautiful than big slices of melon and fresh strawberries!
The Roll-Up
The roll-up is a great way to get salads or veggies into your kids’ lunches even if they don’t think they like salads. At the beginning, you may want to use their favorite tortilla bread and later down the line switch to something more whole grain like Ezekiel. But keep a long term approach in mind and do not make it a point of stress.
Some moms will be tucking cheese at the beginning into these, too, just to get the salad into their kids. Do what works for your family with where you are at, and PROGRESS is what counts.
Any of your favorite vegetables or salads can be used in a Roll-Up. Some good options to try:
Shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, baby spinach, and even finely chopped scallions. As an alternative to mayo, try mashing a fresh avocado and seasoning with a dash of sea salt.
Want to Win a Free Copy of ‘The Healthy Lunch Box?’
Share your favorite kid-friendly lunch recipe AND let your kids name the recipe! Send it in the comments section below and you’ll be entered into the drawing! One winner will be chosen and notified by September 1st!