Building a Better Back-to-School Lunchbox

It’s no secret that students need a healthy, mid-day meal to fuel their bodies and minds during the long day at school. But for parents – who often struggle to fill lunchboxes with nutritious and appealing foods on a daily basis – packing those mid-day meals can pose quite a challenge.

Tired of feeling stressed about what to pack and how to pack it? Build a better lunchbox this school year with the following tips and tricks:  

Start a System. Bento-style lunch systems like PlanetBox and Yumbox have gained popularity in recent years, since they are visually appealing to kids and make the lunch packing process easier for parents. Even if you opt to use a traditional lunchbox, packing can be simplified by making sure your kitchen is well-stocked with lunchbox essentials like Ziploc bags and reusable containers.

Think Outside the Sandwich. Sure, some kids love sandwiches, but there are many other options to consider. Meat and veggies can wrapped in tortillas and then sliced to create pinwheels. Dinner leftovers can be kept warm in a thermos. Small tapas-style portions of many different foods can appeal to picky eaters.

Prioritize Protein. A protein-packed lunch will help your child to think clearly and concentrate in the classroom – and provide the energy he or she needs to make it through the rest of the day. Hard-boiled eggs, tuna fish, nuts and nut butters, meats and low-fat cheese or yogurt are all good, high-quality sources of lunchbox protein.

Avoid Pre-Packaged Foods. Yes, those Lunchables are convenient, but no, they are not healthy. In fact, according to one recent study, it is largely because of pre-packaged foods that homemade lunches tend to be higher in sugar, sodium and empty calories than their school lunch counterparts. Pack sweets and treats in moderation, and opt for homemade goodies (which are generally healthier) when possible.

If you’re short on time, try making and freezing large batches of the following:

• Pumpkin Muffins (loaded with Vitamin A)
• No-Bake Energy Bites
• Homemade Uncrustables (use natural peanut butter and whole grain bread)

Dip Those Fruits and Veggies. Have kids who aren’t eating their carrot sticks and strawberries at lunchtime? You’re not alone. Make fruits and vegetables more enticing by including a dip for kids to enjoy. Send hummus, ranch dressing or even ketchup to accompany veggies. Look ahead to fall with this Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dip, a kid-favorite that pairs especially well with apple slices or celery.     

Get Kids in the Kitchen. Kids inevitably have opinions about what they do and don’t like in their lunches, so why not pass along the responsibility of packing their own lunchboxes? Set a few ground rules about what they need to include, stock your fridge and pantry with plenty of parent-approved options and then, if you’re lucky, you might just be able to cross the entire task off your own never ending to-do list.