Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids
It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to a close and kids are headed back to school this month! WOW!
Packing your kiddos lunch is one of those things that many of us parents grumble about- but there’s no question that good nutrition during their school day is important.
A healthy lunch helps our kids:
Focus better in the classroom
Supports their immune system
Helps fuel them for after school activities and sports
Although it’s tempting to grab a Lunchable, a bag of chips, and a packaged treat, our kids deserve the same whole food nutrition we are striving for! Help your little one build healthy habits NOW- that will carry them into adult life.
Here are a handful of ideas for your back-to-school kid (or the adult in your house who wants to pack too!
Homemade Taco Kit
Who doesn’t love a good taco! And this one is SO easy to assemble if you have the Planet Box reusable lunchbox. As a protein, you can use pulled chicken (a good rotisserie is so easy!), black beans or even some thin slices of last night’s steak! Add shredded cheese, salsa, a little container of guacamole (I love the Wholly Guacamole brand) and then a wrap or some corn chips (for any child or adult with a corn sensitivity- I do love the Siete brand chips) I will usually add a piece of fruit like a banana or apple along with the taco kit and it seems to really hit the spot!
Leftovers, but Make it Sweet
My kids love fruit and I find that when I pair protein with fruit- they seem to enjoy it more. I have been making chicken kabobs on the grill this summer- lining them with chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and pineapple and they have been a HIT. These left-overs are such a hit in the lunch the next day as they don’t have to be heated up. Have your kids helpline the kabob and will see how their engagement helps with the consumption! Yes- my kids tend to eat veggies that they had a hand in preparing. A simple marinate to use is a 1 cup of coconut aminos, juice of one lime, and a touch of honey! Marinate the chicken, veggies, and pineapple in this- grill and then serve. If using the Planet Box reusable box, you can also lay this on a bed of rice (the microwave organic rice from Trader Joe’s freezer section is so easy!).
Strawberry Smoothie
This is perfect for the kid who isn’t hungry at lunch but needs a little something! I talk to so many parents whose kids aren’t always super hungry for lunch as they eat so early at school. In this case- a thermos with a healthy smoothie they can shake-up could be the perfect solution. My daughter has been blending this amazing and SUPER simple recipe and it really hits the spot for her! Blend this ahead of time and store in an insulated thermos. It will keep cold for a few hours.
1 cup frozen organic strawberries
2 scoops of chocolate whey protein (I carry the Thorne brand and it’s amazing and clean!)
1 ½ cup toasted coconut almond milk (by Califia)
That’s it! This also serves as a great after-school snack.
Xoxo,
Beth
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