Healthy Lunch Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

Healthy lunch ideas can be a challenge, especially with kids! We've gathered some helpful hints following healthy eating guidelines to make lunch time a snap!

Healthy lunch recipes should include all of the food groups with an emphasis on vegetables, fruits and whole grains. You should aim for two or more servings of fruits and vegetables, one serving of whole grains, 1/2 to 1 serving of milk and alternatives, and 1/2 to 1 serving of meat and anlternatives.

Overall healthy eating options such as switching to whole grains and unprocessed foods can make a big difference in how healthy your lunch is!

Veggie Ideas for the Pickiest Eaters

• Carrot sticks with yogurt based dip
• Snow peas
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cauliflower or broccoli with yogurt based dip
• Red, yellow, or green pepper strips
• Baby corn

Healthy Snacks for Kids and Big Kids Alike!

• Homemade trail mix with unsalted nuts, dried cranberries, raisons, and sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• Cut up fruit with yogurt dip
• One of our healthy muffin recipes.
• Whole wheat pita wedges with salsa or humus
• Berries with plain low fat yogurt
• Hard boiled eggs
• Healthy homemade smoothie in a thermos
• Turkey roll-ups made with a slice of turkey and a slice of low-fat cheese

Seven Days of Healthy Lunch Ideas

• Fill a whole grain wrap with lean meat (preferably cooked at home to avoid deli meat nitrates) such as turkey or chicken and as many veggies as your kids will tolerate!


• Last nights left overs can be a hit, even cold. Did you make a healthy vegetarian pizza or tuna salad the night before?


• Alternative protein sources such as humus or all-natural nut butters can be spread on whole wheat wraps, bagels, or bread. Packed with carrot or celery sticks and a piece of fruit this can be one of many very kid friendly and healthy lunch ideas.


• Delicious homemade soup can be packed in a thermos for a well rounded hot lunch.


• Whole grain crackers with low fat cheese, veggie sticks, and a piece of fruit.


• A salad with kid friendly ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, shredded carrot, and dried cranberries.


• A whole grain pita pocket stuffed with various combinations including: hard boiled egg, chopped cucumber, and onion; turkey with grated carrot and raisons; tuna, chopped celery, and peppers; cottage cheese and berries; or many other options!

More FREE healthy recipes!

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