10 HEALTHY LUNCH BOX IDEAS 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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

HONEY MUSTARD TURKEY PINWHEEL MEAL PREP by Meal Plan addict

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

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.

BREAKFAST EGG MUFFINS by Hungry Healthy Happy

You can make them ahead of time and freeze them!

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