7 Healthy Packed Lunch Ideas for Children
If you’re looking to make sure your child is fuelled for the school day ahead, making sure they have a healthy lunch is essential.
This quick guide will walk you through seven healthy packed lunch ideas for children, ensuring they are ready and energised for a day of learning in the Junior School or Senior School.
Pasta Salad
A pasta salad has everything a growing child needs to make sure they have the necessary nutrients to fuel their day. With a healthy mix of carbs, protein, and fats, they’ll have everything they need to keep them going.
Pasta salads are also incredibly easy to make and don’t require a lot of preparation - saving you time and money. It can also be eaten cold, which is convenient as your child won’t need to heat anything up.
What you’ll need:
- Wholewheat pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cooked greens
- Cheese
- Hardboiled eggs
- Chicken (optional)
Homemade Lunchables
Who doesn’t love lunchables? However, an issue can be that the shop-bought packets aren’t the healthiest and can be expensive. Save yourself some money and provide your child with a healthier lunch by making these yourself.
They’re easy to put together and your child will love constructing their own meal.
What you’ll need:
- Turkey slices
- Cheese
- Crackers
- Apple
- Peanut butter
Salmon and Salad Bagel
Salmon and salad bagels are a great healthy packed lunch idea for children. The salmon provides healthy fats and protein, and the salad provides lots of micronutrients. These are also easy to make and can be prepped in a few minutes.
Lots of children don’t like fish, however, this healthy and tasty bagel is a good way to introduce fish into their diet.
What you’ll need:
- Wholemeal bagels
- Smoked salmon slices
- Reduced fat mayo
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
Chicken Wrap
Another staple to include in your child’s packed lunch. This low calorie and low-budget lunch option is sure to satisfy your child’s hunger and keep them fuelled for the rest of the day.
There is a lot you can do with a chicken wrap! You can mix it up with different herbs and spices and add different marinades and sauces to give the wrap a burst of flavour. With a bit of salad and sauce, a simple wrap can be turned into your child’s favourite lunchtime snack.
What you’ll need:
- Chicken breast
- Wholewheat wrap
- Cheese
- Spinach or lettuce
- Light mayo
- Side of fruit
Healthy Leftovers
You don’t have to make a new lunch every day. You could always use some of the leftovers from the night before. If you’ve been making healthy dinners for your children, you could always use it in their lunch the following day.
Leftover pasta which can be eaten cold, for example, is a great choice if you’re looking to save money and provide your child with a healthy lunch for the day ahead.
Combine the pasta with some healthy snacks, like a sweet apple or some healthy vegetables, and you’re on to a winner of a packed lunch.
Deconstructed Tacos
If you feel like treating your children to a healthy but delicious packed lunch, try deconstructed tacos. These simple treats are packed with protein, healthy fats, and a tonne of flavour.
Not only are they healthy, they’re also easy to make. You can either use lean beef or ground turkey combined with shop-bought taco seasoning, and you’ll have a healthy packed lunch in minutes.
They’re also great hot or cold, and with lettuce and tomato, your child will have a satisfying crunch with every bite.
What you’ll need:
- Lean beef or ground turkey
- Taco shells or a wholemeal wrap
- Taco seasoning
- Diced tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Egg Mayo and Lettuce Crunch Bap
Eggs and lettuce are a great combination that is sure to deliver a healthy kick to your child’s lunchtime diet. Eggs provide healthy fats and a good amount of protein while lettuce provides good micronutrients and keeps your child full without being too heavy on calories.
All the ingredients are cheap and easy to get as well. In fact, you may already have some at home.
What you’ll need:
- A wholemeal bap
- Two hard boiled eggs
- Reduced fat mayo
- Lettuce
- Fruit on the side (apple or banana)
What Should You Consider When Making a Healthy Packed Lunch for Children?
When you’re making a healthy packed lunch for your child, there are several things to remember to ensure they’re eating healthy food that’ll keep them fuller for longer. Here’s a few things to consider when making a packed lunch:
- Base lunches around breads, pastas, and potatoes. This will keep children fuller for longer.
- Add fruit and vegetables where you can. Keep their lunches colourful so you know they’re getting the right nutrients.
- Go easy on the crisps and chocolate bars.
- Keep things varied. The more you vary their food, the more excited they’ll be to eat their lunch every day.
- Yogurts are your best friend. They’re filling, low in fat, and packed with protein.
- Get your child involved in lunchbox preparation. The more involved they are, the more likely they’ll eat what’s inside.
Conclusion
Making your child a healthy packed lunch for the school day doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Above, we’ve listed several healthy options you can try to add more nutrients and vitamins to your child’s diet.
If you have any more questions about providing your child with an enriching educational experience or want to find out more about how we support your child’s health, get in touch with admissions today.