Are you packing school lunches this year—and feeling uninspired? As much as we all want to send our kiddos off to school with the healthiest, most delicious meals, the task can be daunting.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. We worked with Real Food Whole Life blogger Robyn Downs to brainstorm healthy options for you to keep in your lunch-packing lineup. Check out our go-to combos below and shop our suggestions for fun, functional, and eco-friendly containers to pack it all up!
Our Favorite Lunch Combos
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Whole-grain bread (gluten free if your child has a sensitivity), roasted chicken (this can be leftovers from the night before!), dried cherries, peas, Nutty Caramel Corn
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Black beans, bell pepper, corn tortillas, guacamole, grapes, Pumpkin Spice Cookies
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Favorite Granola, full-fat plain yogurt drizzled with honey, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, carrot sticks
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The Pumpkin Gingerbread Smoothie, roasted chicken, sliced cucumber and carrots, hummus, brown rice
Pack Lunches Like a Pro
Here are three products that make packing lunch even easier:
- Stasher bags. These reusable, non-toxic silicone storage bags help reduce single-use plastics while streamlining the snack-packing process. They also come in over 20 colors, making meal-prepping and packing lunches all the more fun!
- The bento box. Anyone who has ever heard cries of “the peas are touching the carrots!” knows the beauty of a bento box. The box’s compartments also provide a visual reminder to pack a range of vibrant fruits and veggies.
- Klean kanteen thermoses. BPA-free, easy to clean, and leak-proof, these are perfect for packing smoothies. Chill the empty thermos in the freezer overnight, make the smoothie in the morning, and it will stay cold and fresh all day!
Shifting to a positive mindset when it comes to packing lunch can be a game-changer. “It feels good and empowering to send my kids to school with fresh foods,” Sadie says. “It’s one way I can be there for them during the day while I work. I also think opening their lunchbox can be a moment of magic. Sometimes I add a note or joke to make eating more fun.”
We want to hear from you! Do you have a go-to healthy recipe that your kids adore? Any make-ahead tricks that save you time in the morning? Share them with us in the comments below. Here’s to a year full of healthy, delicious lunches!
