With private schools starting back up next week in Charlotte and public schools the week after, I’m starting to think of what I can pack for my children’s lunches! Thankfully, I took a few pictures of last year’s combinations to give me some ideas for when I’m feeling stumped. They are indeed all vegetarian but this is a great option if you are trying to cut back on meat, have some meat-free meals, have a valid concern about a medical weight issue, or want more variety. You can mix and match some of the items to even come up with nut-free and dairy-free options. I try my best to incorporate: protein, good fat, fiber, take both natural and added sugar into concern, and the more naturally colorful, the more nutrients! Use these as a guide and feel free to add your stuff in! Here is a list of what foods I tend to purchase and where/specific brands.

Olives, coconut cashews + cinnamon almonds, crackers, roasted red pepper hummus, apple slices

Mixed nuts, cheese shapes, mandarins, hummus, wheat crackers

(my 1st grader digs this combo since he’s not a big sandwich fan)

Grape tomatoes & baby fresh mozzarella w/olive oil, salt, & pepper, trail mix, and not pictured, popcorn and apple slices.

String cheese, whole wheat wrap with avocado and roasted garlic hummus, raw trail mix (fewer preservatives & sodium), red grapes

 

Apple slices, roasted plantain chips, chickpea salad stuffed in whole wheat pita bread pockets (DF, NF)

Couscous salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice, an apple, and raw trail mix

Organic whole milk string cheese, organic popcorn, roasted cashews, dried cranberries, olive hummus, whole wheat flat bread

 

Sundried tomato tortilla, hummus, celery, and veggie burger

String cheese, quinoa salad with yellow bell peppers, grape tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper, mix of roasted pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, and some rosemary crackers

 

Whole wheat sandwich with hummus and English cucumber slices, corn chips, grapes

Cheddar cheese, gluten free crackers, peanuts, graham cracker sandwich with almond butter, apple slices

Organic olive oil popcorn, trail mix, couscous salad with red bell peppers, cucumbers, salt & pepper, strawberries

Popcorn, chickpea salad, Ak-Mak whole wheat crackers, banana, raw nuts

 

Additional ideas:

 

Main act:

Nut butter & jelly sandwich on whole wheat or sprouted grains bread

Whole wheat or gluten free pasta salad prepared similarly to the couscous and quinoa salads

Baby fresh mozzarella with grape or cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt & pepper

 

Sides:

Carrot, cucumber, celery, or bell pepper sticks

Potato chips (with only potatoes, oil, salt)

Popcorn

Tortilla chips and salsa

Plain whole milk yogurt flavored with maple syrup/agave, vanilla extract, fresh/frozen fruit, or granola