School is back in session and it’s time to start packing lunches again. We want our kids’ lunches to be nutrient dense, healthy and enjoyed by our little ones. I often discuss the benefits of packing healthy school lunches to my patients such as, healthy immune system, improved energy, and better school performance.

I am in a unique situation because Sophie’s school is vegetarian and nut free.  While she doesn’t eat much meat, she does like her almond butter sandwiches and walnuts. Sunflower seed butter is allowed but no sesame seeds- so, no hummus!

I think it is important to include a protein source, vegetable and seasonal fruit.

I love hearing other lunch ideas, so please pass them along if you found a healthy packed lunch your child enjoys.

Here’s Sophie’s week in lunches. Her school provides lunch on Friday- pizza and pasta (well, everything’s OK in moderation). So, I think this is a pretty good week – there was not a real protein source on Wednesday and I think I gave her 3 straight days of grapes, but here it is-

Monday

Brown rice and peas

Lentils

lightly steamed zucchini with olive oil and dulse

organic grapes, goji and mulberries

TUESDAY

Quinoa pasta with olive oil and white beans

Kale and avocado salad

Sliced cucumbers

Organic grapes and raisins

 

WEDNESDAY

Orzo with kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes

Steamed golden beats

Organic grapes and peaches

 

THURSDAY

Brown rice with black beans, zucchini and carrots

Golden beets and cucumbers

Watermellon