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    10 HEALTHY LUNCH BOX IDEAS FOR SCHOOL

    Jun 29, 2019 by Katia · 2 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

    Close-up of 4 different lunch box ideas for school.
    Close-up of 4 different lunch box ideas for school.
    Top view of meal prep containers with healthy lunch ideas perfect for school.

    Packing an exciting lunch box to keep your kids happy and healthy can be a challenge. That means coming up every day with new healthy lunch box ideas for them to take to school.

    Plus, we want healthy and nutritionally balanced meals to look colorful and inviting, right? 

    Although my 5 years old is not a fussy eater (I’m so lucky, I know!), packing lunch sometimes can be a real pain in you know what, especially during the Monday-to-Friday morning rush.

     

    WHAT CAN I PUT IN A SCHOOL LUNCH BOX?

    CARBS

    Pasta, rice, bread, barley, couscous, crackers. Go for whole grains that contain more natural fiber and micronutrients while “white” bread, rice, and pasta are composed of heavily processed wheat grains.

    FRUIT

    Fresh fruit, any kind. If your kids get bored from pale apple slices in their lunch box, go for delicious and vibrant strawberries, blueberries, mango, kiwi or pineapple. They look stunning, make kids excited and they’re high in antioxidants and vitamins.

    VEGGIES

    Colorful cherry tomatoes or fresh veggies like carrots, peppers or cucumber cut into batons are crunchy, inviting and are loaded with nutrients. If you have time, serve the crudites with homemade dips such as cheese dips or hummus, this is a great way to mix veggies + protein!

    PROTEIN

    Chicken, meatballs, or fish fingers whatever your kids prefer. Plus, don’t forget some great vegetarian options: beans (colorful bean salad, bean patties, mashed beans, hummus) and eggs (hardboiled eggs, omelet, frittata).

    DAIRY

    dairy foods like milk and cheese are excellent sources of protein and contain valuable calcium.  Kids love milk, yogurt, soft cheese, mozzarella balls, cheddar, you can serve them on their own or add them to salad, pasta, rice and omelet.

    To help you plan tasty, healthy packed lunches that your kids will love, I’ve got these 10 yummy suggestions to get you started.

    KID FRIENDLY PASTA SALAD by Little Sunny Kitchen

    This kid-friendly pasta salad is packed with lots of fresh veggies. Add some cheese such as little mozzarella balls, cheese cubes or grated parmesan or cheddar, plus a portion of fresh fruit.

    Top view of a white bowl full of pasta, peas and diced vegetables - Little Sunny Kitchen.

    BAKED FRITTATA WITH SPINACH AND FETA by The Clever Meal

    Frittata is a black canvas for vegetables and cheese of your choice. Mix eggs with thawed spinach or grated zucchini. Add cheese such as parmesan, feta, or grated cheddar and bake a yummy and balanced meal loaded with protein.
    Don’t forget fresh veggies like carrots or cherry tomatoes (but pls cut them into halves to avoid choking!), a small portion of fruit, and some whole-grain crackers or any other bread.

    Top view of a meal prep container full of spinach frittata, tomatoes, carrots and blueberries - The Clever Meal

    ENGLISH MUFFIN MINI PIZZA MEAL PREP by Project meal plan

    Chose a healthy topping, add vegetables and fruit on the side and make an exciting lunch box that your kids will love!

    Muffins pizza in a meal prep container with slices of cucumber and strawberries - Project meal plan.

    RAW CHERRY TOMATO PASTA by The Clever Meal 

    Cook 1 cup of whole wheat pasta and add cherry tomatoes, olive oil, fresh basil and make a delicious pasta salad.
    Plus, add cheese or grilled chicken + fruit. Yummy and perfect for meal prep!

    Top view of a meal prep container full of cherry tomato pasta, blueberries and apple slices - The clever meal.

    SUPER EASY VEGAN MEATBALLS IN ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE by The Clever Meal

    These “meatless” meatballs are made with black beans and make a healthy and cheaper alternative to the regular meatballs. They are soft and flavorsome, delicious with mashed potatoes and a mix of fresh and crunchy veggies.

    Vegan meatballs in tomato sauce in a meal prep container with veggie batons and mashed potatoes - The clever meal.

    HEALTHY MAKE AHEAD SNACK BOXES by Carmy

    If you run out of time, this is an example of a healthy snack/lunch box meal prep that contains whole grains, protein, fruits and cheese.

    Top view of four meal prep container full of bread, boiled eggs and fruit - Recipe by Carmy.

    HONEY MUSTARD TURKEY PINWHEEL MEAL PREP by Meal Plan addict

    Turkey + cheddar + spinach and make healthy and lovely pinwheels that your kids will love!

    Two meal prep containers with turkey pinwheels and veggies - Meal Plan addict.

    HEALTHY BAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS by The Endless Meal

    Your kids will love these chicken nuggets, don’t forget to serve plenty of veggies and fruit on the side.

    Chicken nuggets with a dipping sauce over a round plate - The endless meal.

    BREAKFAST EGG MUFFINS by Hungry Healthy Happy

    You can make them ahead of time and freeze them!

    Six egg muffins over a wooden board - Healthy Hungry Happy.

    I think these healthy lunch box ideas are brilliant, my boy loves them all and I hope your kids will enjoy them too!

    « Italian Tomato and Cucumber Salad
    2-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Ice Cream »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jagsay

      September 06, 2019 at 11:28 pm

      this are really good ideas for healthy lunches for kids

      Reply
      • Katia

        September 12, 2019 at 6:23 am

        Thank you for stopping by 🙂

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