school lunch ideas for your kids

In September, my daughter will be starting Kindergarten and I am just not used to making lunch for her everyday because the pre-school she attends has a chef that makes lunch for them.  I’m kind of freaking out because I don’t want her to get bored with the same old lunch everyday and plus I’m not a big fan of cafeteria lunches because they can be unhealthy.  So I thought I’d prepare myself and test out some recipes before she starts school so I know what she will enjoy or not.

School lunch ideas

Lunch Ideas:

1. Chinese Chicken Salad Wrap: Whole wheat tortilla, Chinese chicken salad (salad mix of your choice, chopped cilantro, chicken breast grilled (can use leftovers), edamame and Chinese chicken salad dressing).  Chop everything small. Place in the whole wheat tortilla and roll. Can pack extra dressing for dipping.

2.Bean and Veggie Burrito: Whole wheat or spinach tortilla, black beans, cheese, spinach and a dollop of sour cream. In a frying pan warm tortilla front and back, spread beans, sprinkle cheese and add sour cream and roll tight.

3. Apple, Peanut Butter and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich: Spread natural low-fat peanut butter on 2 slices of whole wheat bread, place  thin sliced apples and sliced cheddar cheese in the center of the bread. Cut sandwich in half and serve with side vegetables such as broccoli or carrots.

4. Corn and Bean Pockets: black beans, canned corn niblets drained, grated cheese and avocado diced, tomato salsa and whole wheat pita pockets. Combine, beans corn, cheese, and salsa in a bowl and mix. Place the filling inside a toasted pita pocket. As a dipping sauce you can pack fat-free ranch or salsa.

5. Ham and Swiss Roll: Mild mustard, whole wheat tortilla, tsp of honey, slice of provolone, swiss or other cheese that melts well, 2 slices of roasted ham. Grill tortilla front and back for about 2-3 minutes on each side. On the tortilla, layer slices of cheese and ham and roll like a burrito. As a dipping sauce, combine honey and mustard and mix well.

6. Soup on the Go: In a thermos, fill up your child’s favorite soup. My daughter likes tomato soup.  You can also use leftover soup from the night before or even chili. Warm soup up, pour in a thermos and serve with whole wheat crackers, whole wheat baguette or cornbread.

7. Kid-friendly Sandwich:  In a small bowl, mix low-fat mayo and your child’s favorite jam. On a ciabatta or a whole wheat roll, spread the mayo/jam mix. Layer turkey, thin slices of apples and lettuce.

8. English Muffin Pizza: On a whole wheat or multi-grain english muffin, spread some pizza or pasta sauce, sprinkle cheese, turkey pepperoni, chopped spinach, bell peppers and onions. Place in the toaster over for about 8-10 minutes or till the cheese melts and muffin is crispy. (You can make the night before or the morning of).  Let it cool before you wrap in foil or put in a container.

Voila! If you are a mom like me worrying about what to make for lunch for your child, try some of these recipes and let me know how it goes. Would love to hear other lunch ideas you have! 🙂

P.S. Click here to check out some snacks to pair with your child’s lunch 

 

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