School is in full swing now, and packing school lunches has become part of our nightly routine. I'm trying to make it a habit to pack lunches when I'm prepping (or cleaning up after) dinner, so that it doesn't seem like a daunting task after we get the kids to bed, when really all I feel like doing it collapsing on the couch. After all, why bring out the cutting boards, containers and food again, after you've just cleaned everything up?! I've done this enough times to know that it's much easier to get it all done and over with in one fell swoop.
When it comes to packing lunches, I usually start with leftovers (I LOVE leftovers for lunches) and then add: a fruit, a vegetable, a homemade muffin/granola bar/healthy cookie and a protein-rich food like greek yogurt, roasted chickpeas or hummus. This way, I know that my kids are getting a balanced, nutritious lunch. I'm often asked for lunchbox-safe recipes by friends and clients, so I decided to compile my most favourite lunchbox recipes (that my kids love!), and then I asked some of my Registered Dietitian Blogger colleagues for their top lunchbox recipe. In total, I've listed 50!
Enjoy!
Muffin-tin Pizza Rolls, by Sarah Remmer, RD
One-Pot Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Easy Casserole Burritos, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Veggie and Bean Quinoa Bites, by Jessica Fishman, MS, RD
Super Easy Skillet Tuna Burgers, by Sarah Remmer, RD
BBQ Slow-cooker Pulled Chicken, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Grilled Thai Chicken Thighs, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Roasted Acorn Squash Mac 'n Cheese, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Easy Turkey Meatballs, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Healthier Tuna Noodle Casserole, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Turkey Tomato Pasta Bake, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Chickpea Salad Sandwich, by: Natalie Rizzo, RD
Easy Egg Wraps, by Lindsay Livingston, RD (Lean Green Bean)
Apple Tuna Salad Sandwhiches, by Katie Serbinski, RD
Easy Chicken Caesar Wraps, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Flourless Oatmeal Apple Muffins, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins, by Katie Serbinski, MS, RD
Freezer-Friendly Oatmeal Chocolate Zucchini Loaf, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Chocolate Lentil Lunchbox Muffins, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Cinnamon Spice Muffins, By Amy Gorin, RD
Kid-Approved Bran Muffins, by Jodi Vandenheuvel Danen, RD
Apple and Oat Breakfast Muffins, by Katie Cavuto, RD
Healthy Blueberry Muffins, by Lindsay Livingston, RD (The Lean Green Bean)
Banana Bran Muffins, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Mini Pumpkin Muffins, by Maria Westberg Adams, RD
High Fibre, White Flour Blueberry Muffins, by Jessica Elyse
Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Blender Muffins, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Whole Grain Pumpkin Spice Muffins, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins (can be made without walnuts), by Christy Wilson, RD
Sweet and Salty Caramelized Chia Popcorn, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Stove-Top Popcorn, by Dixya Bhattarai, RD
Homemade Flavoured Poprcorn, by Katie Cavuto, RD
Pumpkin Energy Balls, by Wendie Schneider, RD
Chocolate Chia Protein Balls, by Sarah Remmer, RD (*use pumpkin seed butter)
No-Bake Nut-Free Granola Bars, by Vincci Tsui, RD
Quick Granola Bites, by Cara Rosenbloom, RD
4 Low-fodmap Kid-Friendly Recipes, by Stephanie Clairmont, RD
Easy On-The-Go Granola Bars, by Sarah Remmer, RD (recipe by Cara Rosenbloom, RD)
Best (and healthiest) Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Oats and Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies, by Dixya Bhattarai, RD
Decadent Vegan Chocolate Pudding, by Emily Kyle, RD
Banana Coconut Chia Pudding, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Creamy Garlic Lentil Hummus, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Southwestern Greek Yogurt Dip, by Amy Gorin, RD
Ranch Hummus Dip, by Katie Serbinski, RD
Fresh Salsa Recipe, by Sarah Remmer, RD
Crunchy Chickpeas Two Ways, by Natalie Rizzo, RD
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