StressedMum
One thing that back to school brings, is the packed lunch. As much as this can be a chore and boring. It is also hard at times to think of something new that is also nutritious. Here I am sharing a few packed lunch ideas for kids.
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ToggleSkewer small pieces of whole grain bread, cheese, lean deli meats, and colourful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. Kids will love assembling and eating these funAMP kabobs.
Fill a bento box with a variety of bite-sized items like cheese cubes, whole grain crackers, fruit slices, carrot sticks, and hummus for dipping.
Use whole wheat tortillas to make colourful wraps filled with shredded chicken, lettuce, grated carrots, and bell peppers. Use different coloured tortillas to represent a rainbow.
Bake savoury muffins with grated courgette, carrots, and spinach. These muffins are a sneaky way to include more vegetables in your child’s diet.
Make mini egg muffins using beaten eggs, diced veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake them in muffin tins for a protein-rich and portable option.
Create your own version of Lunchables by packing whole grain crackers, cheese slices, and turkey or ham. Include some grapes and carrot sticks for added nutrition.
Make a cold pasta salad with whole wheat pasta, diced cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and a variety of sliced fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi in a portable container.
Roll out whole wheat pizza dough, spread tomato sauce and low-fat cheese, add some lean ham or turkey, and roll it up. Slice into pinwheels for a pizza-inspired treat.
Slice apples horizontally to create “sandwiches” and spread nut butter between slices. You can add raisins, chia seeds, or granola for extra texture.
Mix cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and a lime vinaigrette dressing for a flavourful and protein-packed salad.
Create a custom trail mix with a mix of whole grain cereal, unsalted nuts, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, and a few chocolate chips for a treat.
Swap peanut butter with sunflower butter for a nut-free option. Add banana slices and a drizzle of honey between whole grain bread.
Obviously you need to take your child’s preferences and any allergies into account when preparing these lunches. Making their lunches visually appealing will make them want to eat their lunch. These also offer a good balance of nutrients to keep your child energised throughout the day.
Do you have an packed lunch suggestions?
Can’t go wrong with homemade pizza rolls and Pasta salads
I know my kids loved these options
I love the look of the Homemade Pizza Roll-Ups and Egg Muffins as I could make them at the weekend, in preparation for the week ahead!
They are great options you can make in advance which does save time
Why have i never thought of making my own lunchables? So clever. But i’m looking at those pinwheels and that’s what I am making for their picnic at Battersea park. Thanks Sam!
My daughter used to love lunchables, still does
Lots of fab ideas!
no more plain sandwiches – loving your ideas especially the quinoa
It is nice to mix it up a bit
Great ideas, my Mum always told me “kids eat with their eyes” and it’s so true!
It is very true, we would all rather eat something that looks nice
Great ideas,to encourage little ones to enjoy their packed lunches
It also makes it fun to see what they have that day