Packing school lunch boxes can get boring, fast! Let’s talk about some easy, fun and healthy lunch alternatives.
First, be prepared. Do all your shopping for the week. Cut veggies and cheeses ahead of time and place them in individual ziplock bags, so you can throw them in a lunch box that morning. Be careful not to cut apples, pears or bananas too early or they will turn brown. Try packing their lunch as you are cleaning up dinner. The kitchen will already be a mess, so turn their left-overs into a fun lunch!
For example, if you made chicken for dinner, cut up the leftovers, grab a wrap, add some cheese and veggies and you’ve got a delicious chicken wrap. Our moms tell us their kids love EVERYTHING in a wrap. It’s fun for them and there are tons of recipes! Spread some hummus on a wrap and add some fresh veggies or try a peanut butter and banana wrap. Got taco leftovers? Send them to school with all the ingredients needed to make their favorite tacos! Or make mini quesadillas!
Another sandwich alternative is a bagel. Try a half bagel, pack some cheese, sliced pepperoni or chopped ham and a little pizza sauce and they can make their own pizzas. (Bagel Minis are perfect for this recipe!)
Crescent rolls make a great lunch, too! Lay the crescent roll flat, add some cheese, bacon or other lunch meat, roll the crescent roll and bake according to the directions. Wait for the rolls to cool, cut them into smaller servings and voila!
Say you have a little extra time while packing their lunch, assuming you are packing it the night before. Try adding a little extra, like cutting their sandwiches into fun shapes. How cute is that?!
Add a note as a reminder or for good luck!
Kids are messy, so pack them a fun colored napkin they’ll want to use!
If you are worried about them washing their hands before lunch, pack a moist towelette. These can also be handy for quick lunch time clean-ups!
Include a special drawing or picture.
Sometimes in the middle of the day, we all get that salty/sweet craving, so do your kids. Pack an extra snack like baked potato chips, dried fruit, pretzels, trail mix, sunflower seeds, pudding cups or jello.
If you pack lunches the night before, you can grab them out of the fridge that morning and go!
There are a few tips and tricks from us. What are some you use? Any fun or favorite recipes? Tell us on our Facebook page!
