Lunches and snacks for school. They can be a hassle during a busy week. Using leftovers and having a plan on the fridge allow me to think about this once, and spend 10-15 minutes packing them up daily.
Check. Healthy school week lunches – done. I know what my girls are being served, that they like it, and that it’s nutritious. My girls are 8 and 9, and they can be picky. They want some of the flashy packaged foods. I give in occasionally, providing the organic, non- high fructose corn syrup, preservative-free version. We call it upgraded junk food. I don’t want my girls to ever think these food products are healthy. I also am really clear that life doesn’t end with the ingestion of junk food, or cake. It’s a delicate balance with girls.
Anyway, I try to make lunches the night before, or quickly put it together in the morning, by not thinking (thinking in the morning can add on another 15 minutes to getting out the door) and following my menu plan. The use of leftovers is key.
I see lunch as a very important part of my kids day. It effects their blood sugar, their learning and focusing ability and their energy levels. Perhaps a more important meal then dinner.
I’d love to know what you do for lunch. Please post any tips, comments below. And feel free to contact me via email cydney@mompreneurwellness.com, twitter or facebook.
| Day | Main Course | Fruit | Vegetable | Other |
|
Monday
|
Quesadilla’s: Black Bean, Avocado, Cheese (corn or brown Rice tortillas) | Pear slices | Carrots w/ a little high quality Ranch dressing for dip | Gluten free pumpkin cookies |
|
Tuesday
|
Healthy Fried Rice (left over, and in thermos) | Apple slices | Organic Edamame in the pod | Yogurt |
|
Wednesday
|
Spinach Egg Frittata (leftover, heated and in tinfoil) | Organic pineapple from can | (Spinach in the frittata and the salsa) | Chips and Salsa |
|
Thursday
|
Peanut Butter and Jelly, Rice bread for GF girl and Artisan whole grain for other | Apple and pear slices | Lentil soup w/vegetables in a thermos | * Annie’s brand gummy bunny package (oh yes, its true) |
|
Friday
|
Nori rolls (brown rice, avocado, carrots, cucumbers, tofu wrapped in seaweed) | Canned organic pineapple (on sale at co-op, so bought a few) | Left over beets, cold | Few pieces of organic cheese w/crackers (Mary’s Gone Crackers Brand) |
Love the chart of quick foods!
The quesadillas are a favorite at out house, but I’ve never thought of telling my girls they can take them for lunch! Yum.
My girls love them for lunch. I heat them up in a toaster oven, wrap in tinfoil and then put into a container, so they stay warm.
Thanks for stopping by
If only school lunches had looked like this when I was a kid. These meals sound so good! You mention a high quality Ranch dressing. Do you have brands that you recommend?
Hi Deana,
Look for dressings that have recognizable ingredients. Stay away from low-fat versions, as they often have lots of added fillers. My kids love Annie’s Cowgirl Ranch. It’s not that the dressing is ‘healthy’, but it is healthier than most mainstream brands. Take a look next time you are at the grocery store and you’ll be able to discern quality pretty quick!