Top 10 Tips for Packing a Perfect Lunch

I ask my kids every morning, even though I know the answer, “Do you want to buy lunch today?” “No,”  is their answer, without a doubt and without hesitation. 

I can’t say I blame them. The hot lunches served in schools are somewhat sketchy and not very healthy. I mean really, when did nachos for lunch become acceptable? Don’t we have a weight crisis in this nation?  Aren’t kids facing health issues such as diabetes and high cholesterol like no other time in history? 

To this mom, nachos for lunch seem to be adding to, not helping this health crisis. In defense of school lunches, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has made some changes in the past few years, but the truth is, it is not given the proper funds to create lunches that meet healthy standards. 

So, five days a week I pack lunches for my kids. Lunches that are somewhat healthy yet fun, have a high trade value in the lunch room, but are good enough to not be completely traded. Lunches like this can be a time consuming and tough task. What do I have in the fridge to send? More importantly, what will look and taste good after sitting in those lunchboxes for the next three hours? 

I am sure I am not alone in asking these questions. After some research, I have put together a top 10 list to make packing healthy and fun lunches a less daunting task. I think with a little planning, a full fridge and some good ideas, packing a decent lunch is just minutes away.

Tip #1: Plan. It’s always stressful to get kids ready and out the door without having to spend time coming up with lunch ideas. Breakfast is hard enough. So, if possible, plan ahead the night before. Give them a few choices and put together what you can before bed. If the lunchboxes are in the fridge with a hand wipe, drink and some items prepped, packing the main course in the morning just got easier. 

Tip #2: Have the right packing containers available. A thermos for drinks, a smaller thermos for hot foods and various plastic packing containers make assembly easier and faster. I recently found this website, www.easylunchboxes.com. I love its packing containers and lunchbox ideas. Check them out. I am grateful for all the creative ideas I can tweak to fit my family's likes and dislikes.    

Tip #3: When making dinners during the week, ask yourself “Is this something the kids can take for lunch?” If so, plan accordingly and when cleaning up from dinner set aside the items needed. This saves a ton of time in the morning. My kids love homemade chicken fingers. When cleaning up after dinner, I will wrap a few in foil. In the morning, I just throw the wrapped chicken into their lunchboxes with a few sides. 

Tip #4: When creating a lunch, pack things you know your kids will eat. Eating lunch is important. Packing a healthy one that just comes home every day is not doing anyone any good. Only pack what you have tested at home. I recently tried lavash bread, whole-grain wraps. I was surprised my kids liked them. I spread a little mayo and then make three columns — one with shaved turkey, another with avocado slices and the third with red onion thinly sliced. Next, roll the wraps up and slice into thin rolls. Viola! It looks pretty and tastes great. I also have made them with roast beef, baby spinach leaves and cheddar cheese sliced very thin.  The options are endless. 

Tip #5: All lunches should contain a main course, a side item, a treat and a drink. When picking a main course, think outside the box. Think beyond the PB&J. A main course does not have to be a sandwich. Try packing leftover chicken cut up with a small side of ranch for dipping. Try rolling ham slices and cutting up cheese cubes. The main course should have enough protein and fiber to give your child energy and the ability to stay focused the rest of the school day.

Tip#6: Sweet treats are OK to pack. Who doesn’t like a little something after lunch? Keep it small and try and think about the big, bad no-no’s. According to David Zinczenko, author of Eat This, Not That For Kids (New York, Rodale Inc., 2008), treats should not have any trans fats, less than 12 grams of sugar, and contain 100 calories or less. Zinczenko suggests treats such as fruit leather, squeezable yogurt, sugar free Jell-O, Rice Krispies Treats, or a dark square of chocolate. Gone are the days of Ding-Dongs and Twinkies.   

Tip #7: Drinks can be a high source of sugar. Choose wisely. Packing juice is OK, but try using the smaller-sized drink boxes and stick with those that are 100 percent juice. Even homemade sweet tea is fine, but use decaf teas and sweeten conservatively. Stay away from soda and other high-sugar drinks. They fill kids up and offer no health benefits. Unless it’s a smoothie, no one should be drinking his or her lunch. 

Tip #8: Side dishes should be yummy but not unhealthy. Instead of fried chips, try baked chips, popcorn, Goldfish, pretzels or a mix of nuts and dried fruit. Fresh fruits and vegetables also are good side dishes. Try cutting up a bunch of veggies and put them in a small container with a side of dipping sauce. Or make a fruit salad with fruits that won’t change color by lunch. When things are packed in small amounts, kids will eat them and nothing gets wasted.

Tip #9:  Like adults, kids eat with their eyes first. If it doesn’t look good, they might bring it right back home. On the other hand, if it looks fun and makes them smile, your kids may surprise you. Make lunchtime fun and exciting. Try a fruit kabob with red and green grapes, melons and strawberries. Who doesn’t like a magic wand of fruit in their lunchbox? Or try using the Costco technique. Cut turkey, chicken or ham into small cubes and stick it on a toothpick  – even alternate the meat with cheeses. My kids recently liked Gouda, salami and apple chunks on a toothpick. That’s Gouda news for me since I love cheeses. For some reason, kids just love it served in very small portions. Just think sample size and run with it. 

Tip #10:  This last tip is more a list of links I think have great ideas for packing lunches. Check them out and see if you can’t use some for your packed lunches. 

www.nourishinteractive.com

www.your-healthy-eating-helper.com/lunchbox-ideas.html

www.thevisualguide.com/mainCourses.htm

No matter if you do it five days a week or shoot for just once a week, remember: Packing a healthy lunch helps kids perform better at school, keeps them energized and focused and teaches them healthy eating habits early on. So once you close those lunchbox lids, pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You deserve it.

Happy parenting!