With school back in session, you might be wondering what to pack for your little one's lunch.
Keeping your kids nourished with healthy meals helps to build their natural immunity, and the best way to ensure that at school is to send along something from home. Don't be afraid to be different. My daughter has inspired other kids in her class (and even one of her teachers) to start eating nori sea vegetable snacks!
Packing school lunches can be easy and simple. My daughter's lunch is often leftover dinner. Here are some things I often send with her, to get you brainstorming:
- A thermos filled with hot soup or a stew that can be eaten on its own or poured over a portion of whole grains, like a quinoa pilaf, in a separate tin.
- Broccoli (lightly steamed), and carrot sticks with hummus or guacamole.
- Nut-free organic brown rice crispy cereal treats made with pumpkin seed butter (or you can use sunflower butter) and brown rice syrup or heated together to make a gooey caramel - yum! My daughter eats nuts but many schools, including hers, have nut-free guidelines, so the seed butters are great.
- Falafel- A perfect healthy, filling lunch for your kids! Chickpeas are high in protein and improves digestion and blood sugar control.
- Whole grain pasta salad - Whole grain pasta have more fiber, more protein, and more nutrients.
- Leftover fruit cobbler- Cobblers are delicious! They have less carbs and will definitely be gone when your kid gives you their lunchbox when you get home!
- Seaweed snacks- These delicious snacks are a lifesaver. It has lots of Vitamins A, B, and C; is high in iron, calcium, and magnesium which contains anti-inflammatory properties; and packs protein, fiber, and EPAs into each bite.
- Toasted pumpkin seeds- They are filling, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and provide essential amino acids.
- Dried unsulphured apricots and mulberries- As a result from eating them they provide eye sight, boost skin health and gut health!
- Fresh berries and/or organic applesauce- The perfect thing about fresh berries and organic applesauce, is the sweetness it provides (kids love sweets) without the harmful sugars.
- Homemade cookies or good quality store-bought bars
- Steamed veggies in a tin
- Brown rice sushi or rice balls- Rice balls have been so big lately! In addition you can make them into cute animals and fun shapes that your kids will love!
- Bean Salads (check out this one for Late Summer Chickpea Salad!)4
What's your favorite healthy school lunch option for your kids? Would love to hear your comments!
Wishing you a healthy, happy school year ahead, and enjoy your mama time too. 🙂
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