Healthy lunchbox ideas for kids: What to add, what to avoid

The age-old question that haunts so many parents: What the heck am I going to pack in my kid’s lunchbox?

School lunch can be hard, especially when you want to prioritize quick and healthy options that your child will actually eat. But nutrition plays an important role in your child’s health!

Here are some ideas to incorporate into your weekly lunchbox rotation.

The healthy lunchable

One of the easiest ways to pull together a quick and healthy lunch is to make a snack plate. You can purchase a special container or use something you already have at home. Add in strawberries, cherries, grapes—or whatever your child’s favorite fruits are. For vegetables, cut up some carrots, celery sticks, cucumbers and broccoli. (Pair that with cheese and whole wheat crackers, nuts (if allowed in your child’s school) and a डुबोना like hummus for more protein. Make a bean salad for eating alone or scooping with crackers.

The surprising ingredient you should avoid

A lunch go-to is a sandwich with deli meat. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but deli meats and other processed meats can increase colorectal cancer risk. You should avoid processed meats altogether, as regularly eating even small amounts can increase your colorectal cancer risk. Try swapping deli meat for a sandwich filled with cooked chicken, tuna salad, egg salad or nut/seed butters. To incorporate more fiber, use whole grain bread and add vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions or pickles.

Sick of sandwiches? Try a wrap

Use a whole wheat tortilla and mix and match your fillings. Try a hummus and veggie wrap, ए chicken Caesar wrap or even an apple and sunflower seed butter wrap. You can also meal prep a batch of burritos to keep in the freezer and reheat when you need them.

Don’t forget a sweet treat

Every kid wants something sweet in their lunch. If you have a little extra time to make a new recipe, try black bean brownie bites, healthier no-bake cookies या chia pudding. If you’re in a pinch, look for pre-packaged snacks without lots of added sugar.

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Takeaways

It’s important that your child eats lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. At the same time, limit your child’s intake of red meat, foods high in salt and processed meats. Nobody is perfect and no parent is perfect, but adding healthy meals to your child’s diet can make a big difference.

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