The lunch box can be a challenge to many parents. You aim to keep the foods healthy, but also do not want your child to return from school with a full lunchbox. Healthy lunches for school should be made with the help of your child. Making him part of the lunch-packing process encourages him to eat the foods inside. If you are stuck on meal ideas, pick up a kid-themed lunchbox recipe book for inspiration.
Sandwiches
Your child is likely to enjoy healthier foods if they are presented in a fun way. For instance, sandwiches made with cucumbers and cream cheese, tuna salad, egg salad, lean meats and low-fat cheeses are more appealing if cut into fun shapes. Use cookie cutters to create different shapes for each meal. Tea sandwiches are another option; simply cut a regular-sized sandwich into bite-sized pieces. Keep bread choices healthy as well by using whole-grain varieties.
Leftovers
If you made a nutritious meal the night before, reserve some of the leftovers for your child's lunch the next day. Examples include salad with dressing on the side, pasta dishes, cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, vegetable skewers, chicken on skewers and hummus with vegetables.
Snacks
Snacks and sides should be healthy and enjoyed by your kids. Ideas include dried fruit pieces, cut veggies with low-fat dressing, applesauce, pieces of fresh fruit, trail mix, yogurt with fruit, graham crackers, low-fat cheese sticks, baked pita chips, popcorn and pretzels. Check with your school about any lunch restrictions. For instance, some schools ban nuts due to allergies among the student body.
Beverages
To pack a healthy lunch box for your child, never send in soda or whole milk for a beverage. Ideal drink choices include water, 100-percent fruit juice, low-fat milk or skim milk. Chocolate or strawberry flavoring can be added to the low-fat or skim milk to encourage your child to drink it.
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