Make lunch more interesting:20 Lunchbox ideas for the upcoming school year
Date: January 19 2016
With the summer vacations fading out in the background and the arrival of a new school year, it’s time to start shaping the immediate future. For parents, this usually means to put some time aside and elaborate some strategies in order to make a smooth transition from vacation to action. Let’s start one step at a time: the topic today is our kids’ lunchbox meals. Next, a list that, properly managed, will save you precious amounts of time during the year.
1. Spinach parmesan balls. Delicious, easy to make, healthy and budget-friendly. Plus, they look like snacks: a treat that makes things easier for picky eaters. Recipe? Right here.
2. Mac and Cheese bites. Yes, they taste just as good as they sound. A children’s all-time favorite, in a portable, easy to handle presentation.
3. Club Quesadillas. A tasty, simple option that’s also easy on the calories. Can be made with pork, beef or chicken.
4. Summer cup salads. Not every child goes for a salad, but when they do, options are countless. Cups, of course, make things look a lot better – as parents, we know that a better presentation has the unknown power to turn things around when it comes to food.
5. Wrapping lunch up. Wraps are amazing: they look good, they taste good and they can be filled with pretty much anything a kid wants or likes. Tip: always keep a bag of wraps in the fridge – a life saver!
6. Miracle rice. Fried rice is delicious and combinations are endless: chicken, meat, bacon, veggies – thank heaven for rice!
7. Mini deep-dish pizzas. Another purpose for the muffin tin. We have a heart for the classics, and the mini pizzas could not be left out of this list.
8. Amazing Taco Salad. Did you run out of wraps and want to make the best of the situation without losing your mind? Taco salad is the answer you’re looking for. Even Doritos can be added!
9. Sandwiches, done right. Sandwiches can be both a good and a bad option in terms of nutrition: it all comes down to what you use to make them. Veggies and cheese are far better than the faded ham & cheese.
10. Mediterranean Pita Pockets. Not quite a sandwich, not quite a roll, the Mediterranean pitas pockets offer the same possibilities, enhanced by the flavor
and texture of Pita bread.
11. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders. A mouth-watering option that makes everyone go crazy. Save this one for special occasions – good grades and other
accomplishments.
12. Ramen? Amen! Another easy lunch idea offering countless possibilities. Just one thing to keep in mind: if it’s meant to be packed, it should be drier than usual – liquid in a student’s backpack is not a wise move.
13. Zucchini Parmesan Waffles. One of those options that can be made in no-time. Forgot about tomorrow’s lunch? Waffles to the rescue!
14. Avocado + Bacon + Tomato + Pasta = Salad. A balance between hearty and healthy. Serious contender to the best four-ingredient recipe ever.
15. Apple & Cheddar grilled sandwich. Vegetarian. Cheesy. Sandwich. Three words to make both kids and parents happy. Here’s the recipe - you’re welcome.
16. Potato Wafers Omelet. There’s an ancient truth coming from potatoes: they taste good in almost every way you make them. This recipe is a guaranteed win.
17. Pigs in a blanket. Universally praised for their time-saving properties and instant satisfaction powers. Do not abuse this recipe – it’s a treat, after all.
18. The ‘make your own taco’ day. Pack up some taco cups – could be purchased or homemade – and filling choices in the lunchbox. Voilà!
19. Meatloaf sticks. Sticks are, pretty much, hacking devices. Partner the meatloaf sticks with some veggies and you’ve got yourself a lunch.
20. Panzanella mix up! A Panzanella salad is an old-school, vegetarian, hearty meal. It can be done with leftovers, but can’t miss the fresh bread. An Italian mother’s kind of love.
|