School is almost back in session. That means gone are the days of light summer lunches or lunches on the run. Instead, kids are going to be needing heartier lunches to help them power through the day. And not just any lunch. Noon-time meals that are well-rounded, delicious, travel well, and can be eaten hot or cold. That is a tall order for parents packing school lunches. But with a bit of imagination, parents can easily come up with first-day-of-school lunches for hungry tummies.
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then lunch is a close second for kids. This is because they need fuel not only for their bodies but their brains. Breakfast helps kids get through the morning and lunch gets them through the afternoon.
Without a solid lunch, kids have grumbly stomachs, and it makes it hard to concentrate for the remainder of the afternoon. That is why making sure they have a solid meal to eat midday is so important.
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Here are some first-day-of-school lunch ideas for hungry tummies.
A way to include fruit in lunch along with some protein and carbohydrates is with a pita bread, strawberry, banana, and Nutella sandwich.
Kids will think that they are eating dessert for lunch when they have this decadent meal. And if parents throw in some cucumbers with dip and a bottle of water, a filling lunch has been packed for the first day of school, that nutritionists would approve of.
According to Carb Manager, turkey and cheese sandwiches are a fantastic source of protein coming in at 26 grams per sandwich. As such, kids will stay full from lunchtime until they make it home for their afternoon snack. And by putting the meat and cheese combination in a croissant, there is a light, buttery flavor that makes for a wonderful flavor profile.
And while kids may not care about how flavors work together, if a sliced-up apple and a yogurt tube round out the meal, the meal will be complete for kids going to school.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a norm for kids going to school. But why not take ho-hum peanut butter and jelly and turn it into extraordinary? Give kids peanut butter and strawberry quesadillas instead and watch them disappear in a flash.
With the protein from the peanut butter and the quick energy from the natural sugar of the strawberries, these quesadillas are great to get kids through their afternoon of school.
And with a side of carrots or perhaps a yogurt, kids have a meal to make others at the cafeteria table envious.
Traditional sandwiches can wind up with soggy bread by the time lunchtime rolls around for kids. But, if the sandwich is transformed into a panini, the bread is toasted and the ingredients are all melted together. Making for a delicious sandwich, regardless of whether it is served hot or cold.
To give kids a solid lunch with their Panini sandwich, filling it with cheese, black beans, corn, and cheese will do the trick. Filled with protein and fiber, it makes for a meal that gives energy for concentration for the day.
With a side of grapes and perhaps some tortilla chips and salsa, an entire meal is made with very little effort needed by parents at all.
Pasta is a filling meal. But it also is quick energy if eaten alone. Meaning that kids may be hungry shortly after eating lunch. Something that does not help with concentration levels.
As such, give kids a pasta salad with vegetables and feta. Not only will a bulk of the food groups be covered but the protein from the cheese will keep stomachs full while the carbs from the pasta help the mind be creative and full of wonder to help wind up the day.
The best part about the pasta salad is that it can last for up to four days once prepared, according to Does It Go Bad? Meaning that if kids enjoy the meal, they can have it more than once during their first week back to school.
Mac and cheese is a kid favorite. According to Medium, this could be because of the salt profile and texture of the food. But because it does not necessarily travel well, it does not make a great meal for school lunches. But if the mac and cheese is transformed into mac and cheese muffins, they instantly travel well. And kids get a meal they can enjoy.
By adding an apple sauce and some edamame, kids are getting a well-balanced meal and a full stomach to boot.
Corn dogs are a fun summer lunch that kids would like to take with them to school. But because they do not travel well in the lunch box, unless they are part of the school lunch fare, kids do not get them.
However, to get the same flavors in a more compact fashion, mini corn dog muffins make for a delicious meal that fills kids up for their first-day-of-school lunch.
With an orange and some cucumber slices with ranch, kids will have a meal that reminds them of time spent during the summer even though school is back in session.
Packed with protein and vegetables, a broccoli and cheese Quiché is a delicious meal for kids to take to school. And for those who live in hotter climates, the meal is light enough that it is not too filling but nutritious enough that there will not be any upset stomachs when returning to the classroom after lunch.
With a small fruit salad and some yogurt, the meal may feel a bit like breakfast. But with the egg, cheese, and broccoli mixture baked to perfection, kids will not care what time of day the meal is eaten. They just know it is good.
Cheese pizza is a good meal for kids to take to school. It, unfortunately, is just a bit boring. But, if there is BBQ chicken and a bit of BBQ sauce is added to the pizza instead, a completely different meal is had. And more protein is had as well.
A Greek salad on the side will make for a filling and healthy meal. And before kids have gotten home for the day, a serving or two of vegetables will be had as well.
Want to give kids a meal that is vegetable-based and packed with flavor and protein all at the same time? Then make them a veggie and hummus rollup for their first day of school. Kids will not be disappointed.
Add in a side of strawberries and a string cheese, and kids will have a meal that curbs their hunger and makes their taste buds dance at the same time.
Source: Carb Manager, Does It Go Bad?, Medium