How to Pack a Better School Lunch
Here are some tips and tricks to make your school lunch tasty and nutritious.
PLAN IT OUT
Sit down for a few minutes on the weekend and plan out the next week’s lunches. This will help prepare you for what’s on the menu, and give you some say in the choices.
BUY OR NOT BUY?
Nowadays you can get a healthy lunch by taking or buying. But both ways take effort. If you’re thinking of buying, read the cafeteria menu the night before. You can usually find it on the school district’s website or posted at your school. But taking isn’t automatically healthier. Be sure not to rely on snacks and junk food s like cookies and chips. The key is planning a lunch that you know you’ll eat — and that’s good for you.
INCLUDE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Find a few that you really enjoy, and don’t forget to add them into the rotation.
DRINK UP
It’s not only about the food, drinks are important, too. Choosing milk, water or low sugar juice is always a better choice that sugary drinks and sodas.
CHANGE IT UP
Eating the same lunch every day can be boring. Even the healthy ones. Keep your taste buds from getting bored and try something new. Plus, eating a variety of foods gives your body a variety of nutrients.
STAY AWAY FROM PACKAGED SNACKS
Yes, they’re easier. But those salty snacks, candy and sodas are terrible for you and your daily energy levels.
NEW LUNCH EQUIPMENT
That same old brown bag can be a downer. Try an insulated lunch bag and thermos to keep your food fresh. The new gear may help you have a better attitude about eating healthy.
LUNCH IDEAS
Need some tips on what to pack in your lunch? Here are some ideas:
- Whole-wheat tortilla wraps or bagels with peanut butter and jelly, lean cold cuts or lowfat cream cheese with veggie slices
- Baked chips or pretzels
- Apple sauce or fruit cups without added sugar
- Carrots, celery sticks or apple slices with lowfat dip
- Plain popcorn flavored with grated Parmesan cheese
- Cold grilled chicken strips with honey mustard
- Dried cranberries, cherries or other fruits
- Wraps made with low fat tortillas or whole-wheat bread
- Small salads with protein such as cheese, nuts or beans
- Bread-free sandwiches such as a slice of lunch meat wrapped around a cheese stick
- Chicken salad kit or fresh chicken salad sandwich on a croissant
- Hard boiled egg and pepper packet
grilled cheese, an apple, and sprite zero
The Protien 3paccks at the store are a rip off try making your own p3 packs
Eggs are also a good source of protein!
i have tried all of these as my lunch and there all great ideas!
Thank you for the ideas. They will be useful for the up coming school year.
thank you
Tip: if you forget to pack a spoon, use the aluminum foil on top of an apple sauce cup and fold it into a spoon shape. It’ll hold sturdy and is easy to hold.
Dips are great for lunch. Black bean dip, hummus, and guacamole all come in single serving cups at my grocery store. My kid likes to dip beef jerky and pretzels in some kind of dip.