If your family falls into the 40% of U.S. children who bring their lunch to school, you might find yourself standing in the kitchen on any morning wondering, “What am I going to make for my kid’s lunch today?”
Most families start the year strong, packing lunches that are as nutritionally balanced as they are adorable! However, the motivation to keep that going can run dry quickly, especially once extracurricular activities ramp up. From daycare to grade school to homeschool, we've found some of the best lunchbox ideas and compiled a quick guide for you!
Our Quick Guide
Packing a nutritious and satisfying lunch for your child can be a daily challenge, but it’s essential for ensuring they have the energy and focus they need throughout the school day.
1. A well-balanced lunch should include a variety of food groups like veggies, fruits, whole grains, and protein, which help them stay full until their next snack.
2. It's also important to remember that lunch periods are often short, and kids love to chat, so packing foods that are easy to eat is key.
3. Involving your child in the process by choosing foods they enjoy can increase the likelihood that they’ll eat what you pack.
4. Include a Fun Surprise: Slip in a small note or a fun sticker to brighten your child’s day and make lunchtime more enjoyable. This small gesture can add a bit of excitement and comfort, especially if they’re having a tough day.
5. Save time in the mornings by prepping as much lunch as possible the night before. Cutting fruits, packing snacks, and organizing containers ahead of time can make the morning routine smoother and less stressful. Or consider packing leftover dinner as lunch for the next day!
6. Finally, label any reusable items to ensure they return home even if they get lost at school.
Keep It Simple
You want it to be healthy… and you want it to be quick! While most kids have their “go-to’s,” getting stuck in a rut can be easy! Offering different types of food helps our children get the nutrients they need from each of the five food groups and encourages them to try new foods!
It may seem daunting, but it isn’t rocket science. Despite what Instagram and Pinterest tell you, you don’t have to spend an hour in the kitchen creating elaborate scenes or chopping fruit into cute shapes (but if that’s your jam, we LOVE to see it! Get it, girl). The goal is to get as many of the 5 food groups as possible into that lunchbox as often as possible. That means:
- Fruits: choose what your child enjoys; the more color, the better
- Vegetables: same as fruits, choose what your child will eat
- Protein: anything from lean meat, beans, nuts, tofu, fish, etc.
- Grains: aim for whole grains, like whole wheat bread or tortillas, quinoa, or rice
- Dairy: milk (cow milk or an alternative), yogurt, and cheese are all great options.