Creative and Quick Ideas for School Lunches

5 Creative and Quick Ideas for School Lunches

Sandwiches again?!

Are your kids getting tired of the same old school lunch every day? Are you looking for healthy ways to keep your kids fueled up so that they can learn, socialize, and grow?

Local Health Market has great ideas for delicious, healthy school lunch options that your kids will love. We’re San Antonio’s go-to destination for meal prep. We’ve come up with some creative and quick ideas for school lunches that your children will love. Even better, these meals are not only easy to make, but they’re also nutritious. 

Feel free to modify these lunch ideas as needed. We hope these meals appeal to kids’ taste buds and provide essential nutrients like protein, brain-health nutrients, and vegetables. We hope that this list improves health outcomes across our community. And saves you some time in the process.

Looking for microwavable chicken fingers? Sorry, not on this list. 

1. Mini Veggie Quesadillas

Who doesn’t love quesadillas? These delicious entrees come packed with calcium and vitamins, providing a hearty base that won’t leave kids hungry any time soon. You can always include a meat option if your kid prefers the taste, but you can’t go wrong with vegetables. 

Ingredients

• Whole-grain tortillas
• Grated low-fat cheddar cheese
• Sautéed spinach and mushrooms
• Sliced red bell peppers
• Cooked and shredded chicken breast (optional)
• Salsa (as a dipping sauce)

2. Rainbow Veggie Wraps

Send your kid to school with a lunch full of colors! This fun option doesn’t require long bake times, and you can use pre-sliced deli meat from the store. The wrap-style sandwich also keeps things tidy (looking at you, sloppy joes). 

Ingredients

• Whole-grain wraps or tortillas
• Hummus
• Sliced cucumber
• Shredded carrots
• Red cabbage, thinly sliced
• Avocado slices
• Sliced turkey breast (or a vegetarian protein source like tofu)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional) 

3. Ants on a Log 2.0

Let’s not forget the classics. Ants on a log provide a low-carb, high-protein snack when done correctly. It can also be paired with other sides to fill out a complete lunch. We recommend organic peanut butter because big-brand peanut butter can come with many nasty chemicals. Replace candies with sunflower seeds for a healthier boost.

Ingredients:

• Celery sticks
• Almond or peanut butter (check for nut allergies)
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Sunflower seeds
  

4. Greek Yogurt Parfait

Some of us remember the old fruit cup filled with preserved peaches and lots of syrup. It was hard to tell how much of those fruit cups were fruit…and how much was just sugar. We think this Greek yogurt parfait is a better option. Using Greek yogurt avoids the added sugars of other yogurts (while giving you the chance to add natural sugars as needed). 

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Honey or maple syrup (for drizzling)
• Granola (look for low-sugar options)

5. Protein-Packed Bento Box

Not only does the bento box make for more organized lunchtimes, but it also helps you intentionally set out all major food groups in reasonable portions. Plus, the bento box allows for a lot of tasty options without requiring a lot of cooking. You can put anything you want in a bento box!

Ingredients

• Hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
• Sushi rolls
• Sliced cheese
• Whole-grain crackers
• Baby carrots and cherry tomatoes
• Almonds or mixed nuts (check for nut allergies)
• Sliced apples or grapes

Let’s Avoid Processed Foods for Kids

Each year, we’re becoming more aware of the health risks associated with processed foods. Quick, pre-packaged lunch options often come loaded with strange chemicals and preservatives. These foods are also high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, which can lead to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, hormone imbalance, and poor cognitive function. 

Processed snacks and sugary beverages can also contribute to mood swings and lack of focus in the classroom. As parents and caregivers, it is our responsibility to make informed choices and prioritize our children’s health by offering nutritious alternatives. Healthy lunches don’t have to be hard! 

Local Health Market: Meal Prep for the Whole Family

Incorporating healthy, brain-boosting nutrients into your child’s school lunch is important for their overall well-being and academic success. Healthy lunches don’t have to be hard! By using fresh ingredients and avoiding processed foods, you can make sure that your child receives the proper nutrients they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. 

Need some dinner ideas as well?  Local Health Market offers convenient, ready-to-eat meals that you can order online! From tasty fajitas to flavorful Asian dishes, we take care of ingredients and portion sizes. All you have to do is pick up your meals and enjoy.

We also offer delivery! 

Learn more about our easy San Antonio meal delivery options.