8 Lunch Box Meals that Aren't Sandwiches
By Brandi Koskie - Senior Editor for DietsInReview.com
Your kids are probably anxious to go back to school. Or at least, when I was in school I was always ready for summer to end. I loved the new clothes, fresh haircut, backpack full of new supplies, reunion with friends and even learning my new schedule. Back to school is like the new year for kids - a clean slate and a new beginning. The one thing I always dreaded though, and a lot of kids still do, was lunch. It was either an endless rotation of PBJs or cafeteria slop.
This year, make lunch a highlight of the back to school thrill by packing something they'll look forward to eating. Have them choose a reusable, insulated lunch tote and ask them for input in planning lunches each week. Their participation will make it more likely that everything gets eaten. Plus, you might pique their interest in cooking, nutrition and food.
Don't fall in to another sandwich rut this year. Try some of these ideas for getting out from between the two slices!
Taco Tuesday: Pack a taco kit with shredded low-fat cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, ground turkey or grilled chicken, and whole grain tortillas. Send with this homemade guacamole recipe on the side.
Veggie Dippers: Pack homemade hummus, rich in protein, with wheat pita, and their choice of vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, carrot and celery sticks.
Brunch: The insulated tote will keep scrambled eggs with turkey bacon and fresh fruit at just the right temperature. Or try whole grain blueberry pancakes with honey for dipping.
Soup, Salad and Breadsticks: Fill a thermos with a hot alphabet soup or cold gazpacho, pack a salad made of crisp, fresh spinach, carrots, mushrooms and tomatoes and low-fat dressing on the side, then don't forget the crunchy breadstick!
Pizza Party: Top one side of a wheat hamburger bun with marinara, mozzarella cheese, turkey sausage or pepperoni, and olives, peppers or mushrooms. Bake until melted and then wrap in foil.
Fast Finger Foods: Over the weekend make a batch of homemade chicken strips (coated in panko and baked for a leaner crunch) and baked sweet potato chips. Send with honey mustard and it's sure to be a hit!
Pasta Dinner: Spaghetti with turkey meatballs, macaroni and cheese, or leftover lasagna all pack well and are sure to please. Plus you can hide vegetables easily if your child isn't a green eater. Puree cauliflower in the mac, shred zucchini in lasagna, and add fresh diced tomatoes to the spaghetti.
Wrap It: Technically it's a sandwich, but the presentation makes all the difference. Use a whole grain tortilla (or spinach tortilla for a hit of healthy color) to wrap sliced turkey, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado. Cut diagonally or slice horizontally for bite-sized pinwheels. Serve with a pickle, cottage cheese and fruit on the side.
If you're looking for more tips and tricks for back to school lunches, try:
Healthy Lunch Box Swaps That are Good for Your Kid
Don't Overlook Lunch with Back to School Plans
Worst Cafeteria Foods
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