Recipes :: Back to School Lunch Ideas

The other day I was talking to a mom friend and we were complaining about what we were going to put in our kids lunch boxes each day now that school started this past week.  I mean I can only make PB&J so much and she will only eat it so much… so off I searched Pintrest to find some healthy lunchbox ideas.   Part of the appeal of making a yummy lunch that they will actually eat (there have been many a time she comes home hungry with a full lunch in her lunchbox) is making it look appetizing and fun.  I love the following ideas and know that it won’t take me too long to do them in the mornings as we are rushing around trying to get to school on time.  Have fun with these and do share if you have an healthy and fun recipe for the kids lunches.

Days of School Attended Lunch:

This is a cute idea from saucymommy.wordpress.com where she cuts out how many days of school they have attended.  Plus she adds some yummy chocolate that I am sure will be a big hit.  Dark chocolate (look for over 72% cacao beans) is very healthy and provides many important antioxidants.  A small amount will be enjoyed and appreciated after a long day of school.  To read more of her blog go to: https://saucymommy.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/tgif-lunch-round-up-for-219-222/

Another fun idea she has:

A Bread-Less Lunch:

Bread-less sandwich.  I like this idea because they can use the crackers as the bread and mix in the turkey meat between the cheese and crackers.  Plus the eggs looking yummy and easy to eat.  I have tried to put a hard boiled egg in my first graders lunch box only to find it half shelled when I get it back in the afternoon.  She tells me she doesn’t have time to take off the shell – so this idea is perfect.  And if you have a children who is gluten intolerant – you can always replace the crackers with gluten-free ones for a simple and fun meal.

Mini Tacos Anyone?

This fun idea comes from plum adorable.com and she makes it easy to provide a nutritious and yummy meal for the kids.  They will be pretty excited to see mini tacos on the menu!  To read more go to: https://www.plumadorable.com/

Sandwich On-a-Stick:

This idea comes from Weelicious.com and offers more less-bread ideas.  I like how colorful and healthy this lunch is for the kids!  As with all of the lunches listed, I would keep a cold compress inside to help keep the meats from getting too warm.  You can see this recipe and some other fun ideas at: https://weelicious.com/2012/09/06/sandwich-on-a-stick/

Feta, Cheddar and Spinach Muffins

These yummy creations come from I Like Ginger Biscuits blog and can be found here: https://ilikegingerbiscuits.blogspot.com/2011/10/feta-cheddar-and-spinach-muffins.html.  I think you could mix the cheeses around if you have a picky eater who doesn’t like feta cheese – but these look like a quick and easy meal on the go for anyone in the house!  Throw in some cooked bacon to add more protein to the meal. Enjoy!