Pack a Lunch with a Health Punch

Updated November 2020. 

Stuck in a lunch rut? Here are five easy tips to pack healthy lunches that are fun to eat.

Tip 1: Inspiration

• Great ideas for fun lunches are only a click away. A quick Google or Pinterest search will reveal a handful of helpful resources for breaking out of the boring brown bag routine.
• Take a few minutes each week to hop online with your kids and discover some new ways to make lunch healthy and fun.

Tip 2: Create your own meal plan

• Meal planning not only helps ensure your family eats healthier but it will save you time, money, and stress. Once your plan is complete, it can make it easier to buy all the ingredients you need for the week.
• Consider if any dinners could also constitute a lunch. Think of a way to recreate your leftovers into a more lunch-friendly dish, such as serving grilled chicken in a wrap or as a chicken salad sandwich.

Tip 3: Make a “Master Lunch List”

• Don’t think weekly meal planning is for you? Give this time-saving strategy a try: Compile a list of your kids’ favorite lunch meal items, including sides and snacks. When it’s time to plan for the week, simply review your Master List and compile a few options. Always try to incorporate as many food groups as possible!
• When your child reveals their favorite (or not-so-favorite) dishes you’ve provided, use this as a way to update your list to make future planning even easier.

Tip 4: Prep ahead with your sous chef

• A little prep time over the weekend can go a long way in making life easier. It’s even more fun and educational when you invite your children to join you too.
• Use your prep time to prepare as much as you can handle ahead of time.
• Make various sandwich fillings and healthy dips.
• Slice up your favorite fruits and vegetables for use as lunch sides throughout the week ahead.
• Create your own healthy snack mixes.
• Bake a batch of healthy muffins or cookies and freeze them for lunch box treats.

Tip 5: Don’t overdo it

• There are so many awe-inspiring ideas to consider. Instead of getting caught up in how cute or fancy you can make your kids’ lunch look, try to focus on preparing whole foods with fresh ingredients and minimal assembly.
• Can’t help yourself? If you want to add a little excitement, try using your favorite cookie cutter to quickly cut sandwiches and other soft items into fun shapes!

Want specific help with healthy meal planning and cooking? Speak with a nutritionist on Amwell about your goals.