If there is one thing that seems to be an ongoing fight in our house everyday, it is the options that I give my kids for lunches. All they ever want is hot dogs or chicken nuggets and french fries. Now that my son is starting preschool, these clearly are not an option for a lunchbox lunch! I’ve scoured the Internet far and wide and found some really good lunch ideas that are also tasty lunchbox ideas that kids will definitely enjoy!
Pinwheels
Normally made with tortillas, these pinwheels can also be made with whole wheat flatbread or pitas as well!
They are so easy to make, I allow my son to help and I am guaranteed that he will eat them since he made them. Just spread some hummus on a whole-wheat tortilla, layer a slice of turkey or ham and some spinach leaves. Roll it up and cut it into wheels. I serve it with some string cheese and fresh fruit. It is one of his favorite meals!
Veggie Pasta Salad
I just mix 6 ounces of cooked tricolor rotini pasta (he loves the twirls, he says), ½ tablespoon of melted Country Crock spread, ½ cup cooked peas, 2/3 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of chopped olives, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Occasionally, I add in a few chopped up slices of pepperoni as well.
I serve it with some applesauce or some dehydrated fruit, and he is happy.
Mini Pizzas
These are great because you can make them the night before, which of course saves time in the morning. Just top half of an English muffin with jarred marinara sauce (I sneak spinach into the sauce, too). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese or any other toppings on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes. Then let them cool and wrap them up.
Fruit Sandwiches
This one is easy and fun! Simply spread blueberry or strawberry-flavored cream cheese on each half of a whole-wheat 100 calorie sandwich round (or one-half of a tortilla or flatbread). Top with fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries, or get creative and add other fruit as well. Serve with carrot sticks and pretzels.
Slider Burgers
Sliders are great because they are small, take very little time to cook, and kids love burgers. I don’t even buy the premade burgers, I make my own patties and freeze the patties so that I have them when I need them!
I allow my son to choose the toppings for his burgers (like cheese and turkey bacon), and don’t put the burger together until the morning time, even though I normally make the sliders the night before.
Don’t forget when packing a lunch to think about food safety as well. Soft, insulated lunch bags or boxes are the best choice for keeping lunches cold. Other types (including metal and plastic) lunch boxes don’t have insulation and don’t do as good a job. But all three of those types of bags and boxes are a better choice than paper bags.
Freeze a juice box or small bottled water and pack it in your child’s lunch box. This will help keep your lunch cold, and the drink will be still be refreshingly cool by lunchtime.
What other tips or lunchbox ideas do you have to share?
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Country Crock via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Country Crock.
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