Back to School Lunches

Back to school means many things. 1) Freedom  2) Routine  3) Packing lunches.  Every. Day.  

For many of us this can be a very daunting task.  But it doesn’t have to be!  I’m here to help!  My 3 ½ year old daughter goes to preschool five days a week.  That means doing my best to keep lunch fun, interesting, filling and healthy.  I use and love the Planetbox.  It’s quick and easy to pack, keeps food separate, and encourages healthy eating.  Kids don’t need to dig through hard to open containers and tupperware.  All the food is simply laid out and ready to eat!  

When packing lunch, I try and think about color, texture, shapes, and a balance between carbs, protein, fruits and veggies.

Here are 8 back to school lunch ideas to help kick-start the year! These are all nut free options!

1) Baby heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad, sliced plum, spiralized cucumber, crackers, and chocolate covered sunflower seeds.  

2) Cheesy quinoa, cucumber sticks w/ greek yogurt dip, melon balls, mini pretzel thins, and freeze dried strawberries.  

3) English muffin grilled cheese, cherry tomatoes, polenta berry muffin, edamame, hard boiled egg, strawberries, and dried coconut strips. 

4) Hummus with sliced carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and tomatoes, rice crackers, pineapple and blueberries, cheese burrito, and yogurt covered raisins.  

5) Mac n’ cheese muffins, tomatoes and shaved carrots, roasted seaweed, dried apples, and blueberries. 

6) Cheese quesadilla, raisins, waffle pretzels, hard boiled egg, strawberries, and granola.

7) Mini cream cheese sandwich squares, sliced baby bell peppers, yogurt covered pretzels, freeze dried strawberries, popcorn, and dried blueberries.

8) Honey whole wheat pretzel sticks, grapes, cheese cubes, hummus wrap, crunchy snap peas, nectarine, dark chocolate covered cherries. 

Please leave any great lunch packing tips in the comments below!