Which Type of Lunch Bag to Use?
Metal or plastic lunch boxes with insulated beverage containers are one step up from the brown bag because they are sturdier. Your child can take a hot or cold beverage with his lunch, but it is still difficult to control the temperature of the foods -- so food choices are still limited.
Insulated lunch bags are the best choice for school lunches. Some insulated lunch bags are equipped with freezer packs; you can also buy freezer packs separately. There are bags with two or more compartments, so foods and beverages can be kept separate. Insulated lunch bags can be very fashionable as well. Some look more like a trendy purse or tote bag, and there are plenty of novelty bags to please any boy or girl.
The insulated bag and freezer packs will keep your child's lunch cold and, therefore, safe and fresh. Of course, your child may get tired of cold foods every day, so you also need insulated food jars for hot foods. Pick up a few plastic containers in smaller sizes and sandwich bags, too, and you'll be prepared to offer your child a variety of hot and cold healthy foods.
Sandwiches are a popular choice for a school lunch. Remember that meats, dairy products, and eggs are perishable, so be sure to use a freezer pack or 2 to keep them cold.
- Tuna or Chicken Salad sandwich wrap with light mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes
- Cucumber and tomatoes sandwich
- Cucumber sandwich
- Peanut butter and jelly.
- Nutella Sandwich
- Sliced turkey, lean roast beef, or chicken from the deli--or left over from last night's dinner--with light mayonnaise, and a slice of cheese
What should you send along with the sandwich?
A piece of fresh fruit is healthy but can get a bit boring after a while. Skip the greasy chips and choose from these healthier ideas, just remember to keep perishables cold:
- Send a salad in a small plastic container. Keep the dressing on the side in a separate smaller container.
- Cheese sticks go well with sandwiches and are a good source of calcium.
- Whole grain snack crackers add a nice crunch and lots of healthy fiber.
- Make a fruit salad with grapes, melons chunks, and blueberries.
- Dried fruit, like raisins, dried cranberries or banana chips
- Pack a cold pasta salad, cole slaw, or potato salad.
- Baby carrots with a small container of vegetable dip
- Crunchy raw green beans with a small container of ranch or french onion dip
- Yogurt
Sending Hot Foods
With insulated food jars, you can send hot foods to school, too, like leftovers from that delicious meal you made last night. Make sure the foods are heated up to at least 140 degrees before you load them into the insulated jars. Here are some hot food ideas:
- Beef and vegetable stew
- Chicken noodle soup and crackers
- Lasagna with a salad and bread
- Chicken casserole with carrots and vegetable dip.
- Chili with whole grain crackers or bread
- Left over stir-fry or sautéed vegetables
- Chicken cutlets and so much more.
With the right lunch gear, your child can enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch every day. Add a small cookie or tiny piece of candy for dessert along with juice, milk, or water for a complete healthy and fun meal.
What do you plan to pack for your childrens school lunch?
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