Back To School Lunch Ideas

I can't believe I am even saying that. It can't be time for people to go back to school yet can it? I hate even the thought of it. I really do.

The funny thing? My schedule doesn't even change, aside from the fact that clients tend to go on fewer vacations. I graduated from BYU three years ago, and hearing people talk about going back to school still makes me cringe for some reason. I think the reason I hate the sound of it is because it means summer is drawing to a close. I love summer. I hate winter.

With school coming, I often times have moms ask me what they can send with their kids for healthy school lunch ideas. I grew up hating school lunch. I always packed my own lunches, and I'm pretty sure they were the kind people weren't going to want to trade. I would take sliced up cucumbers and tomatoes, cheese and crackers, and tupperwares of salad...and don't worry I had my share of fruit snacks and Sunny D too.

Creating healthy lunches to send with your kids (or to take yourself) can be difficult, but hopefully these suggestions will get you on the right track.

- turkey wraps (Use La Tortilla Factory Low Carb Tortillas or Flat Out Wraps)
- tuna wraps
- peanut butter and banana wraps
- whole wheat turkey sandwiches
- DIY lunchables with whole wheat crackers, lunch meat, and cheese slices
- whole wheat pita pockets filled with chicken, turkey, tuna, or whatever you kiddie likes!
- healthy pizza roll ups 
- whole wheat pb&j
- Mini Meatloaf Muffins 
- hard boiled eggs
- healthy muffins such as: Low Fat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

- string cheese
- fruit  (apples, grapes, oranges, bananas, sliced strawberries, raspberries, etc.)
- sliced veggies and hummus or ranch (cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, etc.)
 (You can even pre-bag these like i have done HERE, so your preparation is easier!) 
- individual yogurts (you can add a bag of granola)
- homemade granola bars or protein bars such as these peanut butter banana protein bars

- fat free/sugar free pudding packs
- fruit leather
- and don't forge to throw in a little dessert with a healthy cookie or two

School lunch doesn't have to be boring! Instead make it fun, delicious, and healthy! Who knows, your kid might actually eat it instead of tossing it in the trash so they can hurry out to recess!


What are you healthy lunch ideas? Were you a school lunch kid? I don't think I ever ate school lunch once until I got to Jr. High and I discovered the vending machines and the pink cookies in the cafeteria. Gross. I don't think that is even considered lunch. Do you have ways of preparing healthy food so your child will eat it?