While I love the leisurely pace of summer, I also relish the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season. There’s the return of a more structured schedule, Pumpkin Spice everything, football season kick-off…and of course, shiny new lunch bags. Nowadays, my three kids are all grown up, but when they were little, I loved creating a mix-and-match menu for them that we’d hang on the fridge so they could choose the meals and snacks they enjoyed each day. Check out these tips to plan age-appropriate menus for your kids and grandkiddos, no matter how fussy they may be.

Back-to-school lunch ideas: Elementary Eats

Elementary Eats
When my kids were little, I focused each lunch on three key elements: protein, produce, a fun treat

It can sometimes get tricky with protein, especially if your school lunchroom is peanut-free or you have a finicky eater. Try to think out of the (lunch) box, by packing a soup, like lentil, chicken noodle or black bean; whole grain pasta with sauce and cheese sprinkled on top; or leftover chili with a small bag of tortilla chips. (Invest in a good thermos to keep food warm as well as an insulated lunchbox with an ice brick.) You can, of course, go the standard sandwich route or get a little fancy by wrapping turkey and cheese in a tortilla, rolling it up and cutting it into sushi-like rounds. Hummus with veggie dippers (red and orange bell pepper sticks tend to be popular with kids) or yogurt with toppings in separate containers like fresh chopped fruit, shredded coconut or granola are two more winning ideas. My kids always enjoyed pinwheel tortilla wraps: Fill a wrap with turkey and cheese (or their favorite sandwich fillings), roll, and cut into rounds like sushi. A fun presentation always scores an A+.

Add a fruit or veggie side (sliced carrots, grapes, an apple or banana) and a treat they love to complete the meal.

Try these recipes:
Chicken Noodle Soup
Turkey Chili
Edamame Hummus
Crunch Bar

 

Back-to-school lunch ideas: Middle School Munchies

Middle School Munchies

Your middle schooler may not want or even like the same foods you’d packed for him just a year or two ago when he was elementary school. Follow the same basic structure (include protein, produce and treat) when packing lunch, but as his tastes change, you can vary the recipes a bit. Pasta salad is a fun twist that’s loaded with nutrition. My Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Muffins are always a hit. Or try whipping up a protein-packed grilled cheese sandwich to help him power through his afternoon.

Toss in a clementine, some celery sticks or berries and don’t forget the treat!

Try these recipes:
BLT Pasta Salad
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Muffins
Protein Grilled Cheese
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Back-to-school lunch ideas: High School Specials

High School Specials

As your student gets more adventurous, you have the delicious opportunity to take some liberties with their lunch. Experiment with different types of soups, salads or wraps or send them in with leftover dinner from the night before (I’ve packed everything from stir-fries to deconstructed tacos!). The key: Don’t be afraid to try something fresh–a new recipe, a different produce item…or you can even piecemeal things together that don’t normally blend. Throw in a fruit or veggie (cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or a peach) and you’ve got an enticing collection.

Try these recipes:
Superfood Minestrone Soup
Cobb Salad in a Jar
Cold Sesame Noodles
Soft Baked Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

Back-to-school lunch ideas

While I love the leisurely pace of summer, I also relish the hustle and bustle of back-to-school. There’s the return of a more structured schedule, Pumpkin Spice everything, football season kick-off…and of course, shiny new lunch bags. Nowadays, my three kids are all grown up, but when they were little, I loved creating a mix-and-match menu for them that we’d hang on the fridge so they could choose the meals and snacks they enjoyed each day. Check out these tips to plan age-appropriate menus for your kids and grandkiddos, no matter how fussy they may be.

Back-to-school lunch ideas: Thirst quenchers for kids of all ages

Thirst-quenchers for kids of all ages 

Support your student’s energy and focus by keeping her hydrated in class. Skip sugar-sweetened beverages (including soda, iced tea, lemonade, fruit punch, chocolate milk, and energy drinks), and instead, opt for a sparkling beverage filled with delicious natural flavor. LaCroix sparkling water is my fave, and comes in 30 different flavor combos. I’m crazy for all of them, but currently obsessed with Black Razzberry—it reminds me of the bubbly grape soda I used to drink as a kid…but without any sugar or calories. Now, that’s sweet!