Healthy lunchbox ideas either gets you excited or gives you anxiety, but it’s that time of year again. All the kids are going back to school, and the morning routine has begun. From Monday to Friday, your kids rush out the door with sometimes not getting the best breakfast, and as a parent you want to know your child is eating a healthy lunch. But have no fear! I am here to save you and make you the coolest parent in class with these 10 awesome healthy lunchbox ideas! These are things that we pack for our own kids, so they are #SerranoApproved. And my kids love them and actually ask for them again!
The key is to have good blend of proteins, and fruits and veggies. Protein is what will keep your child full till after school when they might need a snack again. It is what will give them energy to finish the school day strong and it will also keep their bodies capable of fighting off viruses that can be floating around at school. Proteins boost the immune system and are the building blocks for every cell in the body.
There are often times when we want our kids to eat veggies but we need something good to “hide” the taste. Ranch, I know, is a go to but it’s not the best. Hummus is a better option and the flavor combinations are endless. Or giving them a healthy cracker option, ones that are gluten free, organic, packed with seeds and whole grains is a great way to balance their lunches.
I hope these ideas inspire you and encourage you as you to start the new school year! Let’s collectively take a big deep breath, we’ve got this!
10 Healthy Lunchbox Ideas
- Hard boiled eggs, honeydew lemon, cottage cheese and pretzels.
- Hummus, chopped veggies (bell peppers, carrots and celery), and strawberries with plain whole yogurt with raw honey
- Apple slices with nut butter, leftover chicken mixed with greens with a homemade balsamic dressing, and red grapes.
- Mary’s Gone Crackers with hummus, couscous with veggies, and clementines.
- Color Lunches: It is fun to make the whole lunch one color! Like a healthy mac and cheese (I have had to get creative), orange slices, and roasted sweet potatoes.
- Healthy bar option like Larabars or Perfect bars, carrots and hummus, and nut butters on healthy crackers.
- Sprouted nuts and popcorn, leftover chicken from dinner before with raw cheese in a wrap, with Lily’s chocolate.
- Avocado with salt, strawberries, Bare chips.
- Brunchbox – Greek whole yogurt, with healthy granola option, with hard boiled egg, and a fruit of choice.
- Watermelon chunks (Great for hydration and many other amazing benefits), grass fed grass finished beef jerky, and sprouted nuts.
This is just a list of healthy lunchbox ideas, but the options are endless. I hope this inspires you to think through foods differently for your kiddos. You can make a batch of hardboiled eggs and spread them out over the week, you and mix and match these combos. You can look for lateral shifts of your child’s favorite snacks to healthier options. Healthier chips, crackers, meats, and cheeses. The key to lunch is to re-fuel your child so they can finish strong. Healthy fats, fruits, and clean proteins are key. Mix and match, change it up and go for it!!
Happy Lunchbox making everyone!