Looking for some healthier lunch box inspiration that’s both healthy and convenient? Check out the recipes below for a fun and creative twist on back to school lunches. The best part is, all of them can be made ahead of time!
It’s that time of year again, where parents everywhere start scrambling to come up with an assortment of healthy lunch box ideas that go beyond slapping two pieces of bread together with some cold cuts stuffed between.
It’s hard enough to feed yourself sometimes, and then suddenly, you have to come up with all of these creative ideas that your kids will actually eat?!
It’s definitely no easy task.
As parents, most of us want our kids to eat healthy, but at the same time, we want quick, easy and convenient.
Am I right or am I right?
Although I don’t have school-aged children yet, I do have one crazy busy baby who doesn’t let me get a whole lot done in a day. One strategy that’s been such a lifesaver for our family is prepping healthy little pre-portioned meals and snacks ahead of time in large batches and freezing them in a container or Ziploc bag. Then all you have to do is simply thaw them out before consuming.
I’m a huge fan of this method because it’s basically just grab and go!
SO EASY.
It works out great for everyone because the little bites to eat are already pre-portioned and ready to be packed into the lunch box. Almost like a lunch-able, but SO much healthier and tastier!
Now don’t get me wrong. It does require a bit of time to do the prep work, but once it’s done, you’ll have healthy lunch items for weeks!
That’s what I call stress-free back-to-school meal prep.
Table of Contents
Try out some of the following recipes to pack a fun, creative and healthy lunch box:
1.Turkey Apple Meatloaf Muffins
These turkey apple meatloaf muffins are not only adorable, they are also a great source of protein, iron and healthy fats. It’s a much healthier way to incorporate protein without resorting to the processed lunch meats! Pack them with some additional fresh apple slices for a healthy little bite to eat!
Similar to the meatloaf muffins, these egg cups are a fun way to incorporate some protein and can even be customized by switching up the ingredients in the cups. Want to add some veggies? Try little pieces of broccoli, peppers or mushrooms. Not a fan of smoked salmon? Incorporate some diced ham! The best part is, there are only 5 ingredients. Doesn’t get much easier than that!
What kid doesn’t love a tater tot? These ones are especially great because they also have lentils in them, but no one will ever guess because they blend right in with the sweet potato! Perfect way to sneak in a little extra fibre, protein and iron.
4. Mini Blueberry Banana Muffins
So many store-bought muffins are packed full of a ridiculous amount of sugar, but these mini blueberry banana muffins have NO sugar added because they’re naturally sweetened with fruit. They’re also made out of oats, so it’s a good way to incorporate a little extra fibre!
Craving a crunchier snack? These roasted sriracha chickpeas are much healthier than chips, but don’t skimp on flavour or crunch!
6. Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Cups
Trying to figure out a way to get your kids to eat quinoa? Pack them into a little cup with cheese and broccoli! They’re tasty and so much fun to eat!
7. Nut-free Trail Mix Energy Cups
One of the common struggles with packing lunches are the restrictions on what you can pack…like nuts, for instance. These trail mix energy cups are nut-free and healthier than your average granola bar!
Similar to the turkey meatloaf muffins, the chicken version is a good source of protein that tastes great when eaten warm or cold!
9. Spinach Zucchini Frittata Fingers
These frittata fingers are the perfect make-ahead breakfast, lunch or snack for those busy mornings! You can even customize them with your family’s favourite veggies!
If you’re looking for a great vegetarian idea, these lentil veggie cups are super tasty and convenient for those looking for a meatless option!
If you’re looking for a different idea beyond the tuna sandwich, how about some mini salmon cakes? Serve it up with some roasted garlic dip or on mini slider buns to make it even more fun and delicious!
Who doesn’t love pizza for lunch, especially Greek inspired?! These mini pitas make the perfect pizza base and are the perfect way to switch up the boring sandwich!
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What are some of your favourite healthy lunch box ideas?
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