The new school year has begun and even if you prepared for weeks, the daily routine can get hectic very quickly. In the midst of all the tasks, sometimes lunches are the first thing to fall to the wayside. But with a little preparation and a few solid lunch ideas, you don't have to give up on sending your kids to school with healthy lunches every day. Try to take some time each Sunday, or Saturday if that's when you grocery shop, to plan some meals and lunches for the week. Making big enough meals at dinner to use as leftovers for lunch is always a time saver, and below are some kid-friendly and healthy lunch ideas you can reference when time is short!
1. Crockpot Pulled Pork Tacos
Make lunchtime fun and full of protein with tacos! Make the tender pulled pork recipe for dinner one night and use leftovers for tacos the next day. Jazz them up with veggie toppings like avocado, tomatoes, cilantro and whatever else your kiddies will eat up. Be sure to keep them fresh and delicious for lunchtime with food-safe, lightweight, and reusable lunch gear like stainless steel food containers.
2. Baked Chicken Nuggets
There's no denying that kids love chicken nuggets. Their ingredient list at fast food restaurants however, is not so loveable. Good thing it's easy to make a healthy version of chicken nuggets at home! Make these nuggets with real and pronounceable ingredients that will fuel kids' bodies and brains at lunchtime. As a time saver, you can make a large batch and freeze them for future lunches and snacks.
3. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
These turkey and cheese roll-ups are so quick, easy, and tasty. Antibiotic-free deli meats with no added nitrates are always best. Then you just roll it up with your child's favorite cheese plus tomato or other veggies and you've got a fast and healthy lunch. Keep them fresh non-toxic by avoiding plastic wrap and using something less wasteful instead. There are organic and reusable food wraps out there that are perfect for lunches.
4. Sweet Potato Mac n' Cheese
If you're making sweet potatoes with dinner, you might as well make some creamy and delicious mac n' cheese from the leftovers. This recipe is packed with healthy ingredients for lunch the next day. Your kids will hardly notice the difference and you can keep it nice and warm through lunchtime with the right insulated food containers.
5. Turkey Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes don't have to be messy but they do have to be delicious! And this recipe doesn't disappoint. If you're trying to cut down on artificial ingredients in your children's diets, look no further. Make plenty of the sloppy joe meat in advance and freeze it in individual glass containers, like those made by Wean Green.
