How To Pack a Healthy & Filling Lunch Box For Kids (That They’ll Actually Eat!)

How To Pack a Healthy & Filling Lunch Box For Kids (That They’ll Actually Eat!)

Who says healthy lunches have to be boring? With the new year upon us, it’s the perfect opportunity to shake up our routines and ensure we’re packing the best for our kids, including their lunch boxes.  

A nutritious lunch fuels their busy school days, supports bone and muscle growth and enhances focus and learning. But how do you pack a lunch that’s packed with the good stuff and is also delicious enough that your kids are excited to dig in?  

Let’s dive into what “healthy” really means for kids’ lunches and explore some fun, tasty ways to ensure those lunch boxes come back home empty. 

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The foundation of a healthy lunch

A balanced meal for your little ones should ideally cover a variety of food groups: 

• Proteins such as lean meats or beans help in muscle repair and growth. 

• Whole grains provide lasting energy and keep kiddos full until the next meal. 

• A rainbow of vegetables and fruits ensures they get a range of nutrients necessary for healthy development. 

• A portion of dairy or its alternatives adds a dose of calcium for strong bones. 

Making healthy fun and flavorful

One secret to getting kids interested in their lunch is to involve them in the process. Let them pick from a list of healthy options or help pack their lunch boxes. This little bit of “control” can do wonders for their appetite. 

Play with food (in a good way!)

Imagine your child opening their lunch box to find a vibrant, bento-style arrangement. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of red, while carrot sticks are neatly arranged for easy dipping into a small container of hummus.  

Transforming an ordinary sandwich with cookie cutters into fun shapes like stars or hearts (or, even more fun, dinosaurs and zoo animals!) can turn everyday lunch into a special treat. By making their meal visually appealing and interactive, we can make healthy eating exciting and enjoyable for kids.  

Change it up

Variety isn’t just the spice of life; it’s the spice of lunch, too!  

Mixing up the contents of the lunch box every day keeps boredom at bay. For instance, switch between wraps, sandwiches and pasta salads throughout the week. Each meal brings its own set of flavors and textures, keeping those taste buds guessing. 

Sample lunch menus to spark excitement

Keep lunchtime fresh and exciting with these daily themed healthy lunch ideas. Each day offers a creative twist on traditional lunches, ensuring your child enjoys a variety of flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to keep things interesting from Monday to Friday: 

Monday: Kick off the week with a turkey and cheese roll-up. Spread a bit of cream cheese on a whole wheat tortilla, add turkey slices and a stick of string cheese, roll it up, slice and pack in reusable stretch wrap to make things easy. Pair it with cherry tomatoes and snap peas for a crunchy, fresh side. 

Tuesday: Try a veggie-loaded pasta salad with a twist. Toss cooked whole wheat pasta with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and chunks of mozzarella. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a flavorful, satisfying midday meal. 

Wednesday: Break up the week with a DIY snack lunch. Pack whole grain crackers, slices of cheese, lean meats like turkey or chicken, grapes and sliced bell peppers. This hands-on meal lets kids mix and match for their perfect lunchtime bite. 

Thursday: Switch things up with a rainbow wrap. Fill a whole wheat wrap with a variety of colorful vegetables, such as spinach, shredded carrots and red cabbage, add some grilled or air-fried chicken and a smear of hummus for extra flavor. 

Friday: Wrap up the week with a mini taco kit. Provide small whole wheat tortillas, a container of seasoned ground turkey or shredded chicken, and some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheese. Add a small side of salsa for dipping. This interactive lunch lets kids build their own tacos, making mealtimes both fun and festive. 

Steer clear of the not-so-good stuff

While crafting the perfect lunchbox, it’s just as important to know what to leave out as it is to know what to include.  

High-sugar items, salty snacks and heavily processed foods might be convenient, but they often lack nutritional benefits and can lead to a mid-afternoon crash in energy levels. Here are a few more things to consider avoiding: 

• Super messy foods: Avoid packing lunches that are overly messy or require intricate eating strategies. Foods that are too sloppy can be frustrating for kids and may deter them from eating their lunch altogether. 

• Utensil-dependent meals: While some schools provide utensils, it’s often easier to pack foods that can be eaten with their hands. 

• School rules and allergies: Many schools have restrictions on foods due to allergies, such as nut-free policies. It’s important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure the safety of all students. Always check with your child’s school for a list of prohibited items and plan your lunch-packing accordingly. 

Practical packing tips

In addition to avoiding the items mentioned above, it’s also good to consider a few practical tips to ensure the lunches you pack are not only nutritious, but also convenient and enjoyable for your child to manage during their busy school day. Here are some key strategies to help streamline your lunch-packing process: 

• Temperature control: Use an insulated lunch box and include ice packs for items that need to stay cool, or a thermos for keeping soups or stews warm until lunchtime. 

• Easy-open containers: Ensure that all containers can be easily opened by your child. Practice at home with new containers to make sure they can open them without help. 

• Balanced portions: Pack small, manageable portions to prevent food from going to waste and to ensure that lunch is finished during the short time they have to eat. 

Hydration and sweet surprises

Don’t forget to tuck a water bottle into their lunch box to keep hydration on track throughout the day. For a fun twist, an unexpected treat is sure to be kid-approved.  

A homemade oatmeal cookie, fresh (or dehydrated) fruit, or even including a handful of chocolate-covered almonds as a treat can add a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch to their lunch box. It’s a tasty little surprise that can make lunchtime extra special while still keeping things on the healthier side. 

Hungry for more? From sustainable glass storage options to dressing shakers, bread boxes and more, our Food Storage & Organization Collection has just what you need to reset and refresh your space. 

Shop Our Food Storage & Organization Collection!