Smart School Lunch Options For Energized Kids

Preparing a lunch meal for your kids to take as they head off to school each day is one of the best things that you can do to not only make sure that they sustain high enough energy levels for the afternoon period, but to also reduce the chances that they pick up high-fat, high-calorie cafeteria food.

While there’s no saying for sure whether your kids will actually follow through and eat those lunches you send with them, at least if they are prepared, they have the option.

Let’s take a quick look at some smart school lunch options that you can prepare in just minutes so that you can still keep up with your busy schedule and get out of the door as fast as possible.

Salmon Salad Sandwiches

The first great option for your kids is salmon salad. Many kids won’t eat salmon when cooked on the grill, but canned salmon they’ll eat fine. Mix together some canned salmon with some low-fat mayonnaise and place it over whole grain bread.

Serve with lettuce, onion, and tomato – or whatever vegetables they desire.

Egg Salad Pitas

Next, egg salad pitas are also a great choice. Eggs are a high source of protein and as long as you’re only giving them one yolk on occasion, the cholesterol won’t be a concern.

Again, mix this with some low-fat mayonnaise rather than the high fat variety and place it in a whole wheat pita.

Fill the pita with some spinach leaves, sliced peppers, and mushrooms to help get their veggie intake higher.

Mini Pizzas

Mini pizzas are the next great lunch meal to consider. To prepare mini pizzas, simply smear an English muffin with some low sodium tomato sauce and then place over top some chicken deli meat. Add some sliced mushrooms, onions, and peppers, and then lay some low-fat mozzarella cheese on top.

Place under the broiler until cheese melts and then place in a Tupperware container. While they won’t be warm, they’ll still definitely provide the classic pizza taste.

Vegetables, Crackers, And Dip

Finally, if you really need something fast on the go, consider some raw veggies with whole grain crackers and a protein packed dip.

Combine together some Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream and some dip seasoning mix and then place in a small container to serve with the veggies and crackers.

This will provide them with protein, fiber, and complex carbs, so will be sure to keep them energized for the afternoon ahead.

Toss in some fruit for a few more calories and a packet of peanut butter for healthy fats to eat with the fruit and they’ll be all set.

So next time your kid is heading off to school, make sure they have a healthy lunch in hand. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to prepare them, consider any of these terrific options.