As the summer comes to a close, preparing our kiddos and ourselves for the upcoming school year is overwhelming, to say the least. From getting school supplies to clothes shopping, the last few weeks of summer fly by with errand runs. We understand the hectic schedules and are here to help. Get your whole family ready for this upcoming school year with some ideas for your favorite brown bag lunches. Lunches from home can be both healthy and fun, and here are some of our favorite twists on school lunches!
Pizza Pizza
Pizza can be healthy too! Instead of a regular slice of pizza, try out a flatbread with mini pepperoni’s, your favorite low-fat cheeses and don’t forget the veggies. Add 1/2 cup of red or green grapes, and 1 cup of cucumbers with your favorite hummus. Try a low-sodium hummus for a healthier substitution! For the lover of all things salt, add 1/2 a cup of popcorn, or 1/2 a cup of kettle corn.
PB&J With Love
Take a plain old PB&J and upgrade your regular old toast with a whole-grain bagel and your favorite peanut butter and jelly. For the fruit, slice up some pineapple. Add some cherry tomatoes, or regular tomatoes if preferred and some low-fat caesar dressing. For dessert, add a few mini oatmeal cookies, sure to make your kiddos happy.
Let’s Fiesta
For the family who loves tex-mex or loves a good party, serve up a fiesta themed lunch! Start off with a bean salad, with a variation of lima beans, black beans, pinto beans, and corn. Toss with a light dressing and salt and pepper. Don’t forget to add some tortilla chips and a few tablespoons of their favorite salsa. For their fruit serving, throw in a 1/2 cup of watermelon or cantaloupe, and finish it off with some cubed cheese!
Finger Foodies
For starters, add some string cheese with some crackers. For a snack, add 1/2 a cup of their favorite fruit, and a small serving of yogurt to dip with. Don’t forget to add a kid friendly salad, like some broccoli or cauliflower with a light dressing. Last, serve some banana nut bread for dessert.
Breakfast Fun
Everyone loves a good waffle in the morning, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy and delicious breakfast. Start off two sliced hard-boiled eggs, and a few whole-grain waffles. You can buy them premade or make before their day starts. For snacks, add in some raspberries, blueberries and some sliced kiwi. You can try to add some bell pepper strips, or some yogurt. Lastly, pop in a mini muffin for that sweet tooth.
There’s Lots of Fish in the Sea
For the main course, make a tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread and garnish with lettuce. If you’re feeling crafty, cut the sandwich into the shape of a fish. You can add some sweet and salty snacks to liven up your kiddos lunch. Try adding a small plum for their fruit, 1/4 cup of whole grain goldfish, and some carrots with some low-fat ranch.
And lunch is served! Try these new spins on the classic PB&J and the beloved waffle, and send your kids to school with a healthy and delicious lunch! Not only are these healthy lunches, but they will keep your kiddos full and energized throughout the day. What are some of your favorite brown bag lunch ideas? Leave your comments below!
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