It's almost time for the kids to go back to school - summer flew by! Here are some healthy lunch ideas to keep them happy this school year while giving you peace of mind that they are eating healthy foods!
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1. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
- Sliced turkey breast
- Sliced cheese
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Lettuce
Instructions: Lay a slice of turkey and cheese on a tortilla, add a layer of lettuce, and roll it up tightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
2. Veggie and Hummus Wrap
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat wrap
- Hummus
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced bell peppers
- Shredded carrots
Instructions: Spread hummus on the wrap, layer with sliced veggies, roll it up, and cut into halves or quarters.
3. Chicken and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken breast
- Diced avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Whole grain crackers
Instructions: Mix shredded chicken, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes with a little lemon juice. Serve with lettuce and whole grain crackers.
4. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Granola
Instructions: Layer Greek yogurt with mixed berries and a sprinkle of granola in a leak-proof container.
5. Mini Quiches
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Shredded cheese
- Spinach
- Diced ham or turkey
- Muffin tin
Instructions: Whisk eggs and pour into a greased muffin tin. Add shredded cheese, spinach, and diced ham or turkey. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
6. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat bread
- Peanut butter (or almond butter)
- Sliced banana
- Honey (optional)
Instructions: Spread peanut butter on whole wheat bread, layer with sliced bananas, and drizzle a little honey if desired. Assemble the sandwich and cut into fun shapes.
7. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- Canned tuna
- Greek yogurt or mayo
- Diced celery
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions: Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt or mayo and diced celery. Serve in large lettuce leaves as wraps.
8. Cheese and Veggie Kabobs
Ingredients:
- Cubed cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper chunks
- Small skewers or toothpicks
Instructions: Thread cubed cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and bell pepper chunks onto small skewers or toothpicks for a fun and colorful lunchbox addition.
9. Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- Whole grain pasta
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced olives
- Cubed cheese
- Italian dressing
Instructions: Cook and cool whole grain pasta. Mix with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, cubed cheese, and a light drizzle of Italian dressing.
10. Apple Slices with Nut Butter
Ingredients:
- Apple slices
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Raisins or granola (optional)
Instructions: Pack apple slices with a small container of nut butter for dipping. Add raisins or granola for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips for a Balanced Lunchbox:
- Include a Protein: Helps keep kids full and focused throughout the day.
- Add Fruits and Vegetables: Provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- Incorporate Whole Grains: Offers sustained energy.
- Pack Dairy or Alternatives: Ensures calcium intake for growing bones.
Happy lunch packing!
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