5 Back-to-School Lunch Ideas, Plus Hummus Recipe

Packing healthy lunches can be very challenging. If you want your children to stay away from the lunch line, try these five healthy school lunch ideas.

Before I give you the goods, I want to stress that if healthy choices aren't as easy and appetizing as the unhealthy ones, you might have a fight on your hands. Your children will rebel, and you will find uneaten sandwiches and fruit at the bottom of the box.

So whatever you try, make sure it's something you're willing to continue doing for the entire year.

Healthy School Lunch Ideas

Hummus.  This Mediterranean dip is made from chickpeas (protein power!).  Very delicious and easy to make, this dip can accompany cut up veggies, crackers and whole grain breads. Kids love to dip their food. You can get hummus at the health food store or make it yourself.

Here is my favorite homemade hummus recipe:

1 garlic clove, peeled

2 cups of cooked chickpeas (canned if you want)

3 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp of tahini

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. sea salt water  

With food processor running, drop in garlic clove and process until minced. Turn off processor, scrape down sides and  add chick peas, olive oil, tahini, cumin, lemon juice and salt. Restart processor and slowly add water, making hummus slightly thinner than desired. Chill to combine flavors before serving.

Homemade granola. Store bought granola is usually more a dessert than a health food. Try to look for granola with less than 10 grams of sugar if you don't have time to make your own. Granola can be made in big batches, it's easy to store and transport in a plastic baggie.

Sandwiches. I not a big fan of bread, even "whole grain" bread, but sandwiches are an option. When choosing bread, look for "enriched flour." If you see it listed in the ingredients, then don't buy it. Try artisan breads with just a few ingredients and no preservatives. OR sprouted Ezekiel bread works, too. 

Healthy sandwich choices include: hummus, avocado, canned Alaskan salmon, roasted turkey, egg salad, mixed veggies. Try not to choose deli meats since the nitrates and nitrites have been tied to lots of health issues.

Fruits and Vegetables. Make these as easy and fun as possible. The best way I've found to get my kids to eat their greens and fruits is to have them shop with me. You can take a trip to the farmer's market and have your child pick her own favorites. Eating broccoli is much more satisfying when you've picked it out yourself. Works great for grown ups, too.

Popcorn.  For an alternative to potato chips, you can try popcorn. The instant kind can be hit or miss in terms of health, but natural popcorn is relatively healthy and can be easy to make. Explore with different spices and toppings like cinnamon, cumin, garlic and nutritional yeast. Let the kids choose their own flavors and store the popcorn in air-tight containers to use during the week.

Please share your favorite lunch idea in the comments.

Lisa Consiglio Ryan is a Certified Health and Nutrition Coach for busy, active women and their families. Areas of expertise include weight loss, stress management, detox programs, and special diets such as vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Services include private consulting and group seminars.

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