Lunchbox Ideas for Kids--Easy, Fast, Healthy & Frugal Too!

With the kids back in school, we as parents often worry if they will be getting proper nutrition. Let's face it, if we hand them a few dollars on the way out to door, they won't be buying vegetables, fruits & whole grains! After all, they are kids and need guidance. Then there's the big question, how healthy are school provided lunches? With terms such as...pink slime(Eeek!) flying around, school lunch is not something I really want my child eating.

Honestly, we have 2 reasons for packing our son's lunch daily. The first and most important is his food allergy. He is allergic(not intolerant) to dairy products. All of them! No cheese, no milk, no whey, no yogurt. We have to be cautious of breaded foods, baked goods, breads, snacks...pretty much everything. I'm sure some of you out there are dealing with similar allergies such as gluten or nut. We have to be aware of EVERYTHING they eat! We have to read every label in detail, double checking that the allergen is not included. And in my opinion, no one will keep track of your child's diet like you do.

Our second reason for packing our son's lunch daily is cost. I'm sure you knew I was going to say that. School lunches can be expensive. Our son attends a private school. We love the school. They do a great job! But their lunches are pricey...$2.75 a day! That's more then $600 a year! Wow! You can pack your child a healthy balanced lunch at home for a faction of the cost!

I complied a list of lunchbox ideas that are healthy, fast & easy to prepare and cost efficient too!

Not all the recipes are dairy, gluten and nut free. Make substitutions as needed. Since I'm accustom to dairy substitutions, I listed my ideas with the recipes.

Sandwiches

Polka Dot Sandwich

Dairy Free: Skip the cream cheese! I would use a fruit spread instead!

Round it out with: Raw Veggies, such as carrots, celery or broccoli, add a fruit and water!

Banana Hot Dog

Already Dairy Free!

Pack It Up Idea: Spread the peanut butter on the bun. Add topping and jelly(if desired). Send the banana unpeeled. Your child can peel and add the banana at school so it doesn't turn brown.

Round it out with: Milk(or Almond, Coconut Milk) and raw veggies & hummus. Let them buy milk at school, if possible. It's usually much cheaper than buying them at the grocery store.

Checkerboard Turkey Sandwich

Dairy Free: Skip the cream cheese!

Round it out with: Fresh cucumber slices, Greek Yogurt & milk.

My idea: Place a toothpick in each sandwich stack to keep them together. I would also add a nice piece of romaine lettuce!

Pear & Avocado

Already Dairy Free!

Round it out with: Baked Pita chips, fresh berries, and milk or water.

Chicken & Waffle Sandwich

Dairy Free: Use dairy free buttermilk substitute found here

Round it out with: Green or Red Grapes & Milk

Wraps

Turkey Wraps

Already Dairy Free!

Round it out with: An orange, baked pita chips and milk

Pizza-dilla

Dairy Free: If your child can tolerate non cow's milk cheeses, such as goat cheese or buffalo mozzarella, go for it! I'm sure it would taste great! If they can't tolerate or do not like goat, sheep and other cheeses, consider leaving the cheese off.

Round this out with: Grapes or any other fruit, 8oz of Greek yogurt(not the neon stuff in a tube) and water

NOTE: I think this will only work if the school cafeteria has a microwave they can use.

Taco Salad Wraps

Dairy Free: Skip the cheese!

Round this out with: An Apple & water.

NOTE: Don't shy away from this recipe because of the long list of ingredients. It call for several spices which makes it look much harder then it is!

Lara's Chicken Wraps

Already Dairy Free!

Round it out with: Carrot sticks, cheese stick & water

This recipe sounds great! But here are a few minor changes I would make:

Sub iceberg lettuce for a leafy lettuce, such as romaine
Sub soy sauce for low sodium soy sauce
Sub Mayo for Mayo with olive oil or Greek yogurt

Salads

Shake-it-Up Chicken Caesar Salad

Dairy Free: Watch the dressing, it may include Parmesan cheese!

Round it out with: Grapes, banana & milk

NOTE: If you want to make this recipe even healthier, try making your own dressing. Kitchen Stewardship has wonderful recipes! Prepare the salad the night before and add dressing to a small container. Your child can add the dressing at school. This will keep the veggies from getting soggy.

Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella

Dairy Free: Replace cow's milk mozzarella with buffalo mozzarella, if possible or leave cheese out.

Round it out with: Fresh Berries(if in season) or an Orange and water.

Make it Healthier Options: Salami is OK in moderation. I think grilled chicken would work as well. Whole wheat pasta can be used to add fiber. Prepare this ahead of time to make your mornings quick & easy!

Tuna Dippers

Already Dairy Free!

Round it out with: Sliced cucumber & Greek yogurt, an apple and milk.

Snacks & Treats

No-Bake Energy Bites

Already Dairy Free!

Serving Size: 1 (1 inch in diameter)

I can't keep these in my home! They get eaten within days!

Monkey Bars

Dairy Free: Use dairy free buttermilk substitute found here. Use Earth Balance Buttery Sticks in place of butter. They are soy free as well!

Chocolate Granola Bars

Dairy Free: Make sure the chocolate chips are dairy free. I buy Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chips at Walmart.
NOTE: There are several variations of these bars on The Marathon Mom. I've tried a few and they are Yummy and very easy to make!

Trail Mix