Do you pack your lunch everyday? What do you like to make or bring? Are you someone who uses lunch as an easy time to eat healthy because your food is ready to go, or do you like to treat yourself to snacky foods that are easy to pack?
Brady packs his lunch everyday, with the exception of a few days when I make it for him. (I used to make if all the time when we were first married but those times are gone.:) ) He likes to eat the same thing each day – grilled chicken (that we cook early in the week) on a salad with black olives, a little cheese, hardboiled egg and veggies, usually tomatoes, cucumber and carrots. There are times when he will take leftovers or once in a long while he will make a peanut butter (no jelly) sandwich on whole wheat. A yogurt and sometimes an apple round out his noon-time meal. This meal fits his criteria for a packed lunch:
- portable and fits in the lunchbox
- does not need to be reheated
- filling and satisfying
- overall, simple to prepare/assemble as long as you plan ahead
- healthy
When I was a teacher I would pack my lunch everyday. I would usually bring a salad but sometimes I would change it up and bring soup, popcorn, leftovers or a veggie sandwich. It was important for me to pack my lunch because every moment of time in the day mattered and I usually had to rush through lunch to get something done.
It’s easy to get stuck in a lunch rut and it’s easy to just buy lots of prepackaged foods to throw in your lunchbox or your child’s but this year, try to make packing your lunch fun! Get your child involved and do it ahead of time!
Here are a few ideas of different things to pack:
1. Wrap sandwich: filled with a lean protein, fresh veggies and a little bbq sauce. Or try these delicious lime spiced shrimp wraps.
2. Individual quiche muffins: mix eggs, veggies, a little cheese and a little milk abd
3. Veggie and Cheese Pitas: Layer some hummus, a few cucumbers, lettuce and a tomato with a piece of Colby-Jack cheese in a whole wheat pita.
s4. Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana sandwich on whole wheat.
5. Tasting plate of fresh veggies, fruit and whole grain pretzels with peanut butter and hummus to dip into.
6. Egg salad sandwich: Make egg salad with hardboiled eggs and a little mayo and a little plain yogurt. Let your kids decide if they want to eat it on bread or spread on crackers. Top with a few pieces of fresh tomato.
7. Greek Yogurt Parfait. : If your child does not like traditional lunch choices, give them something you know they will eat. Layer greek yogurt (calcium, protein) with peanut butter or almond butter and fresh fruit. Top the parfait with a whole grain cereal to add some crunch!
Join in Healthy Lunchbox Day by packing a veggie-rich lunch at least once a week on Wednesdays!
Dr. Praeger’s believes teaching children how to make smart food choices and providing them with healthy options should be a priority.
That’s why Dr. Praeger’s is launching Dr. Praeger’s Healthy Lunchbox Day: by packing a veggie-rich lunch at least once a week on Wednesdays, parents can help kids develop healthy eating habits for life.
Dr. Praeger’s offers all-natural, delicious and nutrient-rich options that are a great way to help kids eat sensibly, maintain a healthy lifestyle and make smart food choices. For more information on the products, please visit: http://www.drpraegers.com/Kids-C52.aspx
I’m curious where the ever famous (by me) peanut butter and Dorito’s sandwich is in your listing — don’t… seem… to see… it… Strange. 😉 I did it on sprouted bread with baked chips the other day, at least I’m learning a little!!