Hey there! So this is kind of my first post in this series, if you don't count the intro. I'm really excited to do this one, it seems fun to me for some reason. If you didn't read the title, I'm going to show you some school lunch ideas! These will be decently healthy choices, but come on, we're kids, we all like to eat junk food. But even though something is healthy doesn't mean it isn't just as tasty. Thankfully, as teenagers we don't have to exactly watch our calories and whatnot. I will give you a few lunch ideas, ones that you pack yourself and are easy to prepare, and even what to purchase at school. Keep reading! Sorry this is a lengthy post by the way...
Lunch #1
Contains: Peanut butter and jelly, with pretzels, and fruit.
Prepare: For the sandwich, use whole grain bread (not whole wheat - it can be just as bad as white!), all natural peanut butter, and real fruit jelly. I think we all know how to prepare this one! ;) Zip up in a plastic sandwich baggie. Throw in snack bag full of mini-twist pretzels, and an apple or banana or orange and you'll be all set. Put this all in a brown lunch bag. Either bring a water bottle or buy a milk or water at school when it's lunch time.
Pros: This lunch is healthy, easy and fast to prepare, and satisfies both your sweet tooth and salty cravings. It's a decent amount of food, and fills you up completely!
Cons: If you choose a banana, it might turn a bit brown. As for the sandwich, depending on the temperature and how much jelly was put on, it might get slightly soggy.
Lunch #2
Contains: Cooked pasta, red sauce (optional), veggies, dip, and a cookie.
Prepare: Measure a cup and a half of your favorite type of pasta (cooked, obviously), and put in a sealable tupperware container. Take a couple spoonfuls of spaghetti sauce and mix it in with the pasta (no need to warm up.) Then take some raw veggies, like carrots or celery, and pour a small amount of dressing/dip into a container. Bring along a cookie, just for some sweetness. Drink with some juice provided at school.
Pros: You can use leftover pasta from dinner, and this lunch also satisfies both salty and sweetness.
Cons: If you don't use leftovers, you'll have to prepare the pasta at night, and the veggies won't stay cold.
Lunch #3 - Buying!
Contains: Salad, dressing, bag of baked/Sun chips, fruit, and juice or milk.
Prepare: Going off of what my school provides, go to the salad bar and get some lettuce and top with optional veggies and dressing. Grab a bag of chips, preferably baked or SunChips, along with whatever fruit your school offers. Get a juice or milk to drink. - No preparation, just buy at the school!
Pros: Balanced! You could also prepare this at home if school lunch grosses you out.
Cons: Your school might not offer the same things mine does. You could always alter. :)
Lunch #4 - Time Consuming
Contains: Whole wheat tortilla, chicken or turkey (optional), assorted veggies (shredded carrots/lettuce/peppers/diced tomatoes, etc.), shredded cheese, spreadable cream cheese or mustard (to hold together), crackers with peanut butter, apple sauce or a fruit cup.
Prepare: Take one or two whole wheat/grain tortillas (depending on how hungry you think you'll be) and spread cream cheese/mustard, then add sliced deli meat if you'd like, or just pack with veggies and shredded cheese. Roll up, and use a dab of cream cheese/mustard or even tape if worse comes to worse, to keep together. Take four-six whole grain crackers and spread with peanut butter and make little sandwiches. Add packaged apple sauce or a fruit cup. Drink with water, milk or juice.
Pros: Tasty, has everything you need and the crackers are healthier than the packaged ones you buy.
Cons: Longer to prepare, wraps may fall apart.
But wait -
snacks! Depending on when you eat lunch, you might need a small snack throughout the day to keep you going. Here are some of my favorite snacks that you can throw in your bookbag and that are quick to eat... A banana, trail mix, granola bar, cashews, sun dried fruit, raisins, rice cakes, and pretzels!
Phew, that was longgg! I hope you got some good and tasty ideas. :) Thank you so much for reading this whole entire post. If you liked it, let me know, and tell me if you'd like me to do a breakfast one as well!
Xoxo,
Hayl
