Back to School: Lunch Packing Tips (+Breakfast & Snacks!)

I can’t believe it’s already that time again. The kiddos are getting ready to head back to school. Morning, noon and night, it’s up to us to help them stay healthy so they function at their fullest. Here are a few easy lunch packing tips to help keep your family happy and healthy this school year.

 

Remember what mom always said? “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” That said, never let your kids skip breakfast.

Remember breakfast sets up our entire day, so start off on the right foot with healthy fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Try:

• Oatmeal (or other leftover grain) cooked with berries, top with flax seed or hemp seed and protein powder, nut butter or egg on the side.
•  Sprouted toast with almond butter or all natural peanut butter and a drizzle of raw honey
• Green monster smoothie with spinach, almond milk, blueberries and favorite nut butter
• Organic yogurt with berries, flax seed and cinnamon (to balance blood sugar)

**If packing lunches, have the kids pack (or help pack) their own lunches. This ensures they’re eating what they like and it doesn’t end up being traded for junk. Do this the night before to save time in the morning.  

Healthy Lunch Tips

1. Be sure to pack a lunch try stored in safe containers. We love these stainless steel leak proof containers or these safe glass containers (we’ve tested them and they’re virtually unbreakable!)

2. Keep it nutrient-dense to ensure energy and focus (fruits, veggies, protein and high-quality fat).

3. Opt for whole fruits instead of sugary, sticky cavity-inducing ones (skip the raisins!).

4. Skip the juice boxes and sugary drinks and pack water (in a safe container) instead.

Healthy Lunch Ideas

• Organic free-range turkey slices
• Goat cheese and avocado
• Upgrade the PB&J to all natural peanut butter
• Honey and banana sandwiches
• Leftovers in a thermos
• Homemade fruit and yogurt parfaits
• Wrap leftover meat in a corn tortilla with a side of Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa for extra fat and extra fun.

What about healthy snacks and sides to keep their energy up? 

• Homemade sprouted trail mix 
• Rice cakes or carrots and celery with peanut butter or guacamole
• Veggies and hummus
• Popcorn with coconut butter
• Spelt pretzels and tahini
• Frozen grapes
• Apples and almond butter with cinnamon
• Raw cheese and flax crackers
• Kale chips
• Frozen yogurt, kefir or acai
• Olives or unpasteurized pickles
• Sweet potatoes with cinnamon and maple syrup

Be sure and PIN this now so you can come back to it later AND please share this on Facebook. It’s up to us all to inspire others and keep all children healthy and happy. 

Infographic: Payam-E-Ashena Magazine

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Melissa Schollaert is a Holistic Health & Nutrition Counselor and founder of Real Nutritious Living. Helping others achieve their health goals to attain their healthiest, happiest life is her greatest ambition.

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