The back-to-school season is underway, and there’s already enough on your plate. Packing a balanced lunchbox should be simple! These four easy lunchbox ideas can help take the guesswork out of busy school mornings. I’m on CBS Charlotte with my tips.
For a balanced lunchbox, aim to include produce, protein, a whole grain and a dairy food. This combination provides a variety of nutrients while helping make lunch both nourishing and satisfying.
Caprese Bites Lunchbox
SUNSET® Pop Its™ cucumbers and Angel Sweet® tomatoes are perfect for lunchboxes because they’re bite-sized and ready to rinse, pack and enjoy. They’re naturally sweet and snackable, and kids will love the satisfying crunch of the Pop Its™ cucumbers.
Pair the tomatoes with mozzarella cheese and basil to make Caprese bites, and serve the cucumbers with hummus for dipping. Kids can even help rinse and pack the produce, making school prep a fun family activity.
California Grape Chicken Salad Pita Box
California grapes are a nutritious lunchbox addition because they contain nutrients and plant compounds that may support brain and immune health.
In fact, UCLA researchers found that eating a little over two cups of grapes daily helped preserve healthy metabolic activity in areas of the brain associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Research also suggests that resveratrol and certain flavonoids found in grapes may support immune function.
To make these California Grape Chicken Salad Pitas, combine chopped chicken, cucumber, mayonnaise and halved grapes. Stuff the mixture into a whole-grain pita and serve it with extra grapes and cucumber on the side.
Savory Protein Lunchbox
This satisfying lunchbox features turkey, cheese and spinach pinwheels, freeze-dried pineapple and Catalina Crunch Snack Mix.
Catalina Crunch Snack Mix combines the brand’s signature protein cereal, crunchy protein pretzels, nuts and other savory ingredients. Each serving provides 10 grams of protein, a good source of fiber and zero grams of sugar.
Choose from Cheddar, Honey Mustard, Creamy Ranch, Spicy Kick and Traditional varieties. On-the-go snack packs and full-size bags are available at Harris Teeter, CVS, Target and other retailers.
Sunflower Seed Butter and Strawberry Crunch Sandwiches
Put a crunchy twist on a classic lunchbox favorite with Sunflower Seed Butter and Strawberry Crunch Sandwiches.
Spread sunflower seed butter and lower-sugar jam onto whole-grain bread, then add Crispy Green Crispy Fruit strawberries for a naturally sweet crunch. Crispy Fruit is made with 100% pure fruit and no added sugar.
With seven fruit varieties available in convenient, portable four-packs, it’s easy to add naturally sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch to lunchboxes, after-school snacks and more.
