15 Healthy Snacks for Lunchboxes
As the school bell rings and kids return to school, it’s time to ponder over the perfect lunch box ideas.
Packing lunchboxes can be stressful, especially if you wait until the last minute while trying to find a left shoe, a backpack, and your lipstick all before the bus gets to your house. Then there are all the choices: Do you fill it full of good for you stuff that your child may or may not eat? Or, do you fill it with food you know your child will eat, but may not be so healthy? And what about allergies? Many schools are totally peanut-free, so that leaves out old standbys like PB&J.
15 Healthy Snacks for Lunchboxes
You don’t want your kid to go through the school day hungry,or have them waste food, or worse, trade for something you really don’t want you child eating . So,the question is, how do you create a win-win situation in the lunch box department?
There are tons of ways to sneak nutrition into your childs lunchbox without your child even noticing!You just need to remember that taste wins over nutrition everytime! If it tastes good, they will eat it, whether it’s good for them or not. Here are 15 ideas to for healthy snacks to stuff in a lunchbox, that your kids are sure to love, and you will love giving them!
Here are our 15 Healthy Snacks for Lunchboxes:
1. Homemade trail mix – Kids love mixes, its a fact! Moms love this snack because you can also sneak all sorts of healthy stuff in there like dried fruit bits, seeds, granola,etc. and most kids won’t even notice the good stuff, (especially if you throw a few M&Ms in there!)
2. Chips & salsa – Always a favorite with kids. You can even make the salsa homemade so it can be fresh and healthy!
3. Veggie chips– Instead of grabbing that bag of not-so-good-for-you chips, try the veggie ones! They make Chips and puffs made from vegetables, which are not only better for you, you can also gets some vitamins in too, and most kids like them!
4. Mini kabobs– This is a fun snack, use small wooden skewers and add grapes, small cubes of cheese and leftover ham or chicken. Healthy, tasty and fun. You kids are sure to be the envy of the lunch table!
5. Hummus– This is a favorite in our house. Hummus is a Middle Eastern chickpea dip that is super healthy and is a great way to serve up baby carrots and other veggies. Dips and kids are always a hit.
6. Tzatziki- This snack was originally from Greece, and is a garlicky yogurt dip it’s not for everyone but may just suit your kid’s need for saltiness. It also tastes great with sliced cucumbers or pita chips!
7. Single Serve Cheese- What is not to love with cheese? Cheese cubes or slices are a great snack to add to lunchboxes and provides some calcium and protein.
8. Peanut butter– Try a single serve pack of flavored peanut butter( if your school hasn’t banned it.)It’s Super healthy, low in sugar and kids love anything that sticks to the roof of your mouth.
9. Apple with caramel – most stores sell single serving caramel dips, and if it can make your child eat some fresh fruit, it’s a win win!
10. Fruit medley – For some reason, if you just stick an orange in your kid’s lunchbox, it either gets thrown away, or ends up back on your counter.But, If you take a small Tupperware bowl with a strawberries, a few raspberries, some blueberries and a slice or two of that same orange, all you get back is an empty bowl.
11. Vegetable medley – That same trick works with vegetables. A plain plastic ziploc bag with baby carrots gets old. But fill that Tupperware bowl with a some carrots, a piece of cauliflower, some broccoli and a few cherry tomatoes and bam! Works everytime! Make sure to pack some ranch dressing, because as discussed before, kids love dips.
12. Yogurt – This is a great snack in its “natural” state, but not so great when you add sugary, chemically add-ins. Try organic vanilla with Grape Nuts cereal. It gives the added crunch your child is looking for, with the healthy twist moms like.
13. Tuna – If you child loves prepared snack packs and lunch kits, try single-serve tuna packs with whole wheat crackers. It’s the same basic concept of a lunch pack, without the overly processed meats and cookies.
14. Natural fruit snacks and leathers –These are great, healthy snacks when you pick the right kind , meaning with all natural ingredients and minimal added sugar.
15. Ants on a Log- A classic for a reason, this piece of celery smeared with PB and raisins is a real crowd pleaser for kids and moms alike!
There you have it, 15 Healthy Snacks for Lunchboxes
As parents, we want the best for your children, which means not just making them eat healthy, but making them want to eat healthy! By making these healthy snacks for Lunchboxes you are showing your child that they can eat healthy, and still enjoy the food, and that is something they can use for life!
More Healthy Lunch Box Ideas
Striking a balance between delicious and healthy can be challenging, but worry not! We have put together a list of innovative and nutritious back-to-school lunch box ideas that your kids will adore. These easy-to-prepare recipes include fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein sources, ensuring your little ones have the energy they need to tackle the school day.
Customizable Wraps
Wraps are a flexible lunch box option that allows kids to personalize their meals. Pack whole grain tortillas, lean meats such as turkey or chicken, and a variety of veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Include hummus or guacamole as a delicious spread and a slice of cheese for added flavor. Your kids can mix and match ingredients to create their one-of-a-kind wrap!
Homemade Mini Pizzas
Say goodbye to store-bought pizza and hello to a healthier homemade version! Use whole grain English muffins or pita bread as the base, spread tomato sauce or pesto, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, and top with vibrant veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Bake the mini pizzas in advance, so your kids can enjoy them cold or warmed up at school.
Vegetable-Infused Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a simple lunch option that can be tailored to your kids’ preferences. Choose whole grain pasta and mix in a variety of colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Toss everything in a light vinaigrette dressing and remember to add a protein source like grilled chicken, tuna, or beans.
Fruit-Enhanced Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Revamp the classic chicken salad by incorporating diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries. Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture on whole grain bread or serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Sushi-Inspired Roll-Ups
Delight your kids with nutritious sushi-inspired roll-ups. Use nori sheets or whole grain tortillas as the base, spread a thin layer of brown rice, and add a protein of your choice, such as smoked salmon or tofu. Incorporate crunchy veggies like cucumber and carrot sticks, and roll everything up for a distinctive and tasty lunch.
Colorful Skewers
Add a splash of color to your kids’ lunch boxes with vibrant skewers! Simply thread an assortment of fruits and veggies onto skewers or toothpicks, alternating between different colors and textures. For instance, create a pattern of cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, cheese cubes, and bell pepper pieces. These eye-catching skewers are not only visually appealing but also loaded with vitamins and nutrients.
Greek Yogurt Parfaits
For a sweet yet healthy lunchtime treat, assemble Greek yogurt parfaits in small mason jars or reusable containers. Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey. To maintain the crunchiness of granola, store it separately in a small container or ziplock bag and let your kids mix it in before eating.
Creating a wholesome and enticing lunch for your kids doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these imaginative and nutritious lunch box ideas, your children will eagerly anticipate mealtime, and you’ll feel confident knowing you’re providing them with the energy they need to excel in school. Don’t hesitate to get creative and involve your kids in the process!
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