Simple and Healthy School Lunch Ideas

The school year is upon us again. For many kids that means packing their school bags with pencils, paper, and a homemade lunch. If your child is tired of the same old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or leftovers every day for lunch here are some delicious and healthy ideas.

Salad
A salad is quick and easy to toss together, can be varied for each child, and very healthy. Toss together lots of colorful vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and red pepper slices. You can add in some protein with chopped hard boiled eggs, chopped meat, or with nuts and seeds.

Peanut Butter Sandwich
Every child loves the basic peanut butter and jelly, but it is not always the healthiest lunch idea. Change things up by using fruit instead of jelly. Slices apples, grapes, or bananas can add nutrition and taste. You can even skip the peanut butter and try almond butter or soy nut butter.

Burritos
Take a whole wheat tortilla shell and fill it with anything and you have a quick lunch idea that kids love and is healthy too. Fill it with vegetables, beans, and cheese and toss it in. Add some salsa or other sauce and kids will eat it up.

Mini Pizzas
What kid does not love pizza? Make mini pizzas on whole wheat bagels for a tasty lunch. Toast a bagel, put a slice of tomato on top and cover with shredded cheese. Chop up additional vegetables such as onion, olives, or peppers and let your kids make their own unique pizzas.

Veggie Burgers
If you wish your kids would eat more vegetables this is a great way to sneak them in. Many companies now offer burgers made from vegetables that are microwavable. if your child has access to a microwave at school send them with a "burger" and their favorite toppings. Most will never know they are eating something so healthy.

Simple Stir-Fry
You do not need to be a chef to make a quick and simple stir fry for your kids. Chop or slice some of their favorite vegetables and toss them in a pan with a splash of their favorite sauce. You can use left over vegetables such as green beans or peas to save money. Send it with some cooked rice and you have an exotic meal most kids would love.

Macaroni and Cheese
while on its own mac and cheese is not a healthy meal idea you can easily add to it with few complaints. Stir in small vegetables such as peas or shredded carrots. For a spicy kick add a spoonful or two of salsa. Add some shredded meat and you have a healthy meal in a bowl that will be eaten every time.

Carrot and Zucchini Muffins
Most kids will eat anything if they think they are getting a treat. Mix up a batch of these muffins and send them to school with your kids for a healthy meal and a happy child. Simply buy a box mix of carrot cake and follow the directions, adding in one cup of shredded zucchini, some raisins, and nuts. It is healthy and tasty.

Trying to make a simple, tasty, and healthy lunch that kids will enjoy can be a challenge. I hope these ideas spark your creativity and help you create healthy lunches that your kids will enjoy. For more ideas read my other meal time ideas, Left Over Meal Ideas for Chicken and Left Over Meal Ideas for Beef.