I am a busy mother of three and I make lunch for all three of my kids, five days a week during the school year. That comes out to just under 600 lunchboxes a year.
I was in a lunchbox rut, which seems to be a common trend for moms. So in January, I challenged myself to make colorful, original, nutritious lunchboxes while trying to be as efficient with my time as possible. School lunchbox making can be tedious, so I want to share my experiences with you. Hopefully, these ideas and tips will make your life easier and your kids lunchboxes healthier.
This lunchbox includes:
1. Mini polenta pizzas as main course. Polenta is an excellent, gluten free alternative to pizza crust. Look for organic, as corn is a heavily sprayed crop.
2. Organic peas are a great source of protein and vitamin A.
3. Mango is rich in antioxidants, and often referred to as a “super fruit”.
4. Purple and white cauliflower with a yogurt paprika dip. Kids love to dip. Try packing hummus, yogurt, oil and vinegar with the veggies…it will help your kids develop a taste for different veggies.
5. Dates stuffed with walnuts. Dates have a high concentration of minerals, including potassium, magnesium and selenium and coupled with walnuts, which are packed with omega-3s. They are a great combination to keep your kids brains nourished all day long.
Photo credit: Cindy de Castro
Love these ideas! I was recently surprised to see my daughter readily eat peas. And she munches on mango like it’s the best stuff on earth (maybe it is).
I have 2 boys and while they have ecclectic tastes, its a guarantee that what one loves, the other hates so I get double duty on the lunches. But they both like polenta! This looks lovely, will try it this week.
I love what you put together but I also love the lunch box – where did you get it?
Such an enticing lunchbox, Alyson! Love the polenta pizza idea!
Very inspiring ideas, thanks for sharing! Did you put some salt on the peas?