Back To School: Lunch Box Ideas

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.

IMG_8786

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

IMG_7516

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

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

IMG_6782

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

IMG_3318

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

 

IMG_8585

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

IMG_2336Couscous salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice, an apple, and raw trail mix

IMG_1273

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

 

IMG_3351

Sundried tomato tortilla, hummus, celery, and veggie burger

IMG_1768

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

 

IMG_3474

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

IMG_6310

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

IMG_2521

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

IMG_7504

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

{ 6 comments… add one }
  • Gina Ware July 1, 2015, 2:35 am

    They all look so good

    • Pinky July 3, 2015, 10:44 am

      Well balanced and so Simple!

      • Rajul Parekh July 3, 2015, 12:55 pm

        I’m so glad you like it!

    • Rajul Parekh July 3, 2015, 12:50 pm

      Thanks! Please let me know if you try anything!

  • Vanessa Smith July 3, 2015, 2:39 am

    Love the lunch ideas. Keep sharing them 🙂

    • Rajul Parekh July 3, 2015, 12:51 pm

      I most certainly will!

Leave a Comment

Recent Posts…

Thanksgiving Edition: Dijon Rubbed Garlicky Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Thanksgiving Edition: Dijon Rubbed Garlicky Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Feast your eyes and carve into this beauty. There is something grand and elegant about an entire head of cauliflower golden and speckled. Carving into it is fun too! The cauliflower absorbs the herbs, olive oil, and spices well making every bite delicious. Although it is baked for over an hour at high heat, it [...]

{ 4 comments }
Reseting Post-Thanksgiving: Mason Jar Salads & Come Meet Me!

Reseting Post-Thanksgiving: Mason Jar Salads & Come Meet Me!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! What made ours even warmer was the gorgeous weather in Charlotte. It felt like spring time! This was a very special Thanksgiving because my parents and sister and her family all relocated to Charlotte earlier this year. We had a great potluck spread and my sister hosted. [...]

{ 2 comments }
Low Labor Healthy Chocolate Cake For Every Occasion

Low Labor Healthy Chocolate Cake For Every Occasion

Happy Labor Day! No matter your role, profession, daily tasks, or accomplishments, today is a day that your diligence deserves reward! I have used this chocolate cake recipe many times but I really fell in love with it the last time. I had a couple of cousins in town unexpectedly one night after dinner and nothing [...]

{ 0 comments }
Charlotte Veggie