Beyond The Sandwich – Mix It Up With Different Lunch Foods
When you think about packed school lunch, PB&J or ham and cheese sandwiches come to mind. While sandwiches certainly make for a nice school lunch, they are not your only option. Mix it up by fixing something different for your kids this school year.
Make It A Wrap
A quick and easy alternative to a sandwich is a wrap. Grab some tortillas and fix your child’s favourite sandwich as a wrap. Wraps are also great for adding lots of lettuce and extra veggies. Hummus and cucumbers make a delicious vegetarian lunch option too.
When you’re done adding your toppings, roll it up like a burrito and cut it in half if desired. The wrap is good as is, or you can pack a small serving of salad dressing to use as a dip. Ranch Dressing is always a favourite around here. Just make sure you pack it in a small, airtight container so your little one doesn’t end up with the dressing all over the lunch box (ask me, I know).
Who Doesn’t Love Snack Food And Lunchables?
I have yet to meet a child that doesn’t love lunchables. But have you looked at the price of those found at the grocery store lately? Plus I’m not the biggest fan of the food options.
Why not get a little creative here and make your own version instead, using fresh ingredients and food you know your child will eat.
Start with some sandwich meat and cheese cut into bite-sized pieces. Add some fresh raw veggies like sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots. Throw in some fresh or dried fruit, and there you have it, a delicious, healthy, homemade version.
Of course you can turn any of your kids’ favourite snack foods, including popcorn, trail mix, crackers, cheese, fruits and veggies, and the like, into a delicious lunch.
Grab a container with lots of little dividers (bento boxes are perfect) and fill them up with kid-friendly favourites.
Healthy Salads For Lunch
Do your kids eat salad? Salads are another great lunch option, particularly for older children. Get a container with a tight-fitting lid and add all your child’s favourite salad ingredients minus the dressing in there.
Start with a bed of lettuce, add raw veggies, croutons (because, oh my, who doesn’t love croutons?), bacon bits, nuts and seeds, and the like. Top it with a source of protein like cheese, hard-boiled egg, ham or turkey, or maybe even some grilled chicken.
Pack dressing in a separate container along with a fork and napkin, and voila…lunch is done.
You can assemble the salad the night before and store it in the fridge. The key is to make sure all your ingredients are very dry. If you’re washing your lettuce, use a salad spinner, or dry it on some paper towels before packing it.
And cutting everything into small bite-sized pieces will ensure that the lunchtime salad is easy to eat and tastes ever so good!
