Packing a lunch box for your kid is probably part of your almost-daily routine. This is a commendable job, as you can control what your child eats for lunch and give them healthy options. However, it can become a bit of a hassle to choose new and interesting combinations for school lunches all the time, especially when you have dietary restrictions and school rules to follow.
Plus, packing the same old sandwiches can get boring both for the child and yourself. If this task has become confusing and/or monotonous, here are some ideas for time-saving yet healthy lunches for your kids.
1. Quesadillas
Change up your usual sandwiches with some simple quesadillas. All you have to do is take a tortilla, fill it up with shredded chicken and cheese, or any kind of filling you have on hand. This is a great way to use up leftovers and also give your child something healthy to consume at school. Get some organic fruit for their dessert.
You can fill up the tortilla and toast it on a skillet to let the cheese melt inside. This will help the quesadilla to stay shut and also have a crispy, delicious texture.
2. Hummus
Hummus is very easy to make at home and is hardy enough to last for the whole week with proper storage. This is a great way for your kid to get protein while also sticking to a mostly vegan/vegetarian diet. With hummus on hand, all you’d have to do is slice up some pita bread and vegetables for dipping. You can also get some more quick vegan/vegetarian meal ideas for the rest of the day.
3. Small Pizzas
If you want your kid to finish their lunch, giving them a pizza-like option is one way to go. You don’t need to make or buy any dough for this; simply halve a wholegrain muffin or bagel and put the ingredients on top. Cook up a large batch of pizza sauce for this purpose. These tips on how to meal prep like a pro can help you out here.
4. Breakfast Options
There are several ways to utilize breakfast-like options for lunch. A slice of quiche, some small pancakes, leftover sausages, and Greek yogurt are excellent combinations. We’re sure your kids won’t mind having these for breakfast as well as for lunch, and it will definitely save you time in the morning as well.
5. Chicken Salad
Go for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and you can make a delicious yet healthy salad in next to no time. Simple shred up some chicken, add any other ingredient that your kid will eat, and plop in the yogurt. Pair it up with some grapes and fresh juice, and add some crackers for those much-needed carbs.
6. Pesto Pasta
Pasta in white sauce could become too calorie-rich and make anyone drowsy in the middle of the day. Instead, you can indulge your pasta-loving kids by tossing in some pesto instead. See if they can enjoy whole-wheat or veggie pasta as well. It would really help if you boil the pasta the night before, but this task isn’t too time-consuming for the morning either.
7. Smoothies
Looking for ways to sneak vegetables into your kids’ diets? Put in some spinach leaves or kale into a fresh smoothie in the morning. You can also add some frozen fruit and berries along with milk and maybe a splash of vanilla essence. This will give the smoothie a sweet kick without adding any sugar!
8. Mini Kabobs
Invest in some blunt bamboo skewers and stick ingredients on them. These could be slices of sausages, chunks of chicken, or even pieces of fruit. The presentation alone will encourage your kids to eat up every bite!
9. Spring Rolls
These are another great way to use up leftovers and incorporate veggies in the daily lunch boxes. Simple mix some cubed meat, cheese, and some boiled vegetables and fill them into rice paper wrappers. You can make these beforehand and store in the freezer, all ready for a quick bake before packing.
10. Roll-Ups
Roll-ups aren’t hard to make—all you have to do it roll a wrap or a slice of bread and cut it into sections. Make the fillings colorful by using boiled and pureed vegetables; if you present them right, they’re more likely to get eaten.
Conclusion
With the ideas and the books discussed above, you won’t have to spend nearly so much time wondering about what to pack for lunch anymore. You can also use this inspiration for your own lunches, whether you have them at the office or at home.
Preparing quick and healthy lunches can be a challenge and require you to develop new skills. Don’t be afraid of starting on these ideas or getting some books to assist you. If it will benefit your kids, it’s probably worth the extra effort!