How to Pack Healthy Lunches for Kids

The best school lunches are kid-approved, full of nutrition, easy to prep and super delicious. But packing healthy lunches for kids doesn’t always seem like the easiest task.

Today, I’m going to go over the formula for packing healthy lunches for kids so you can pack them fast and feel good about your kids’ nutrition – all year long.

Will Kids Eat Healthy Lunches?

You can pack the healthiest lunch in the world, but if your kids won’t eat it, then it doesn’t matter how much nutrition you’ve included. Here are some tips to help you pack healthier lunches that kids will actually eat.

Plan ahead
Kids will get tired of even their favorite lunches if they have to eat the same thing every day. I try to plan 3 lunch items each week that include a combination of leftovers and fresh ingredients. This means no food waste, and it helps me prep lunches ahead for the week.

Re-imagine their favorites
Instead of saying an absolute “no” to the pre-packaged foods they crave, try making a healthier version of what they’re asking for. Recipes like homemade uncrustables, DIY Doritos, and even make-ahead nuggets are always huge hits.
These recipes make them feel like they’re getting the food they requested, while I know they aren’t missing out on essential nutrients in the middle of the day.

Packing Healthy Lunches

I like to make sure each packed lunch is a balance of healthy carbs, fats, and quality protein to keep them satiated and focused for the rest of the school day.

Here are some lunchbox builders to get you started. Mix and match your favorites for a well-rounded kid’s lunch!

Healthy Carbs

• Fruit, all types
• Whole-grain breads
• Baked Banana chips
• Baked/dried fruits
• Energy bites
• Breakfast Cookies
• Granola
• Homemade Fruit Leather

Healthy Fats

• Guacamole
• Hummus
• Sliced avocado
• Deviled eggs
• Nuts & seeds
• Nut & seed butter
• Avocado egg salad
• Coconut smoothie

Protein

• Grilled chicken breast
• Rolled up deli meats (turkey, ham, etc)
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Meatballs
• Canned Salmon salad
• Tuna bites
• Turkey salad
• Taco meat
• Black Bean cups
• Spinach & Egg cups
• Egg salad

Whatever I pack, I try to sneak in a little “extra” nutrition by chopping veggies into a sandwich or quesadilla or serving a side of fresh veggies and homemade dip. Trust me, the dip makes allllll the difference.

How to Make Packing Healthy Lunches Easy

You can pack healthy lunches quickly when you have many of the ingredients on hand and ready to go.

Grab a compartmentalized lunch container and follow this simple formula to pack healthy lunches for kids fast:

Main Idea
What main item will you pack around? This can be a sandwich, wrap, quesadilla, or leftovers.

Add veggies
If your main dish is not veggie-centric, add a serving or two of crunchy carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or any other veggie your child enjoys.

Pro tip: consider adding a dip such as homemade yogurt ranch or hummus to make eating veggies more delicious.

Bring on the Fruit
Pack a serving of fruit along with the lunch to add colorful nutrition that includes vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber to the lunch.

Pack a treat
Whether it’s a homemade cookie, a square piece of chocolate or a brownie bite, something your child loves is important from time to time.

Want healthy lunch ideas at your fingertips? Then you NEED a copy of this 101 Lunches eBook!