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30 healthy ideas to pack in your kids’ lunches

Disclaimer: Thanks to GoGo squeeZ and Socialstars for encouraging the conversation about healthy choices for kids’ lunches and snacks. This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own. (Well, and my kids, too.) #GoGosqueeZSquad

I don’t know exactly when it happened, but at some point in this school year my kids started packing their lunches by themselves. Maybe this is a normal occurrence in most families but between busy evening schedules and homework (Oh the homework, don’t get me started.) and rushed mornings the task fell onto my plate. When I come to think of it, I think this transition may have happened when I was out of town for a few days. It’s funny the changes that happen when Dan’s in charge–someone can suddenly go to bed all by herself, someone else can haul water buckets without an help, and apparently two people can make their own lunches.

But despite passing the lunchbox torch, I still keep a close eye on what goes in them. School days are long, especially when there’s lots of activities after and for my migraine kid, having a well-balanced lunch that’s high in protein is really key. One of her biggest triggers is hunger, followed closely by dehydration and exhaustion, so I’m always doing my best to make sure she’s putting good stuff in that lunchbox. Go to www.royalvending.com.au for more info on drinks and snacks vending machines

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But don’t get me wrong. It isn’t always easy. In fact, its rarely easy.

In my dreams there is food to go in lunch boxes that is both convenient and healthy. But often those things don’t go hand in hand. So I’m always glad to discover something new on the grocery shelves that falls into those categories. In particular, I was excited about GoGosqueeZ launching a brand new yogurt pouch. They can be stored at room temperature–after going through the same process as refrigerated yogurt with an additional heating step. They have nothing artificial, contain no growth hormones, no preservatives and no mess. And they’re full of protein, calcium and Vitamin D. And they are super convenient for the grab-and-go flurry of lunch packing.

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At this time of year, it’s really easy to get in a major rut with lunches. So discovering something new like this is a huge plus as we push through the last several weeks of school.

A few years ago (2009!!) I wrote a blog post about wanting to add more protein and whole grains to our meals and snacks, especially lunches. And the comments on the post blew up with great ideas. I actually click back on that post often when I’m feeling burned out and blah about feeding my kids. The list contains mostly ideas for snacks and “accessories” as I call them for your kids lunches. But it’s chock-full of great ideas.

So if you’re anything like me, you could probably use a little lunch and snack inspiration list. Check out some of my favorite suggestions from that post below:

  • edamame
  • peanut butter on rice cake
  • pretzels and hummus
  • trail mix (cereal, nuts, pretzels, dried fruit, chocolate chips)
  • frozen yogurt(put the pouches in the freezer!)
  • popcorn
  • peanut butter powerballs
  • whole wheat pita pockets with eggs and salsa or ham
  • hard boiled eggs
  • hummus and carrot sticks
  • tamari almonds
  • almond butter on rice cakes
  • celery and peanut butter
  • whole grain crackers and sliced cheese
  • tortillas wrapped with cream cheese
  • toast spread with almond butter and honey
  • plain almonds and raisins and semisweet chocolate chips mixed together
  • almonds with dried apricots
  • lemony turkish red lentil balls
  • sloppy joes which include black beans with the ground beef
  • chickpea popcorn: Once the chickpeas are ready (either open the can or make the chickpeas so they are cooked through) then heat a pan on medium/ medium high with olive oil. When the pan is hot add one clove of garlic smashed and diced tiny. Also add some dried oregano or basil and saute until they start to “pop” and are smooth not chalky. Stick them in a bowl and enjoy.
  • string cheese, apples, carrot sticks and sometimes grapes
  • grain + beans + chopped hard veg + herbs + a little dressing
  • quesadillas
  • cottage cheese and pineapple
  • tuna with tomatoes
  • Rancho Gordo beans
  • mini bagels with cream cheese-nuts
  • cashews, pistachios
  • Cottage cheese with fruit

Save it for later on Pinterest:

Great ideas for things to put in your kids lunches that have a lot of protein and whole grains

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by GoGosqueeZ but all opinions are my own. #GoGosqueeZSquad

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