No two children are the same, but many young children share a number of similarities. Few young children enjoy going to bed on time, and many can’t resist a good trampoline. Kids also have a reputation for being picky eaters, which can be challenging for parents who are responsible for choosing and preparing school lunches.

When dining at home, parents know which foods their kids eat and which they push around their plates in hopes they won’t have to eat them. School lunch is a different scenario altogether, as parents aren’t around to ensure their kids eat a full, nutritious meal. Picky eaters may not eat any lunch at all. Parents who want to ensure their children get the nutrition they need to do well in school can consider the following school lunch ideas.

Make-your-own sandwich

Kids may be more likely to eat a full lunch if they get to put it together themselves. Parents can put all the elements of a tasty sandwich into kids’ lunch boxes, but let kids assemble the meal themselves. Sandwiches are not necessarily the healthiest midday meal, but they are much more nutritious when parents pack whole-grain bread, tomatoes, lettuce, and low-sodium deli meat in kids’ lunch boxes. If a do-it-yourself sandwich is a nonstarter, consider a DIY taco lunch with whole-grain tortillas.

Burrito bowl

A kid-friendly yet nutritious burrito bowl is another great school lunch option. Red beans are a good source of fiber, and the Harvard Medical School notes that all beans are rich in potassium. Fiber is filling, so a burrito bowl that includes fiber-rich ingredients, such as red beans, quinoa, or brown rice, can help students avoid late-day hunger pangs that can compromise how they feel and perform in the classroom. Burrito bowls are so tasty that kids may not even realize Mom and Dad have snuck in some healthy foods, like vegetables, into their midday meal.

Parfait

Parfait has all the appeal of a tasty dessert without the pitfalls of ice cream and other treats. The nutritional value of a parfait depends on the ingredients Mom and Dad choose to include. Protein-rich Greek yogurt paired with fruit and granola makes for a filling, tasty meal that’s also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. An insulated, airtight lunch box packed with ice packs can ensure the parfait stays cool until lunchtime.

Pasta salad

Kids tend to be especially fond of pasta, and parents can use that affinity to their advantage when planning school lunches. A whole-wheat pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and diced broccoli makes for a nutrient-rich lunch that kids can enjoy. If broccoli is likely to raise youngsters’ ire, consider a nutritious substitute, such as shaved cucumber or zucchini. 
 

School lunches can be nutritious and still make kids excited to eat their midday meal away from home.