With new seasons come new beginnings, which can bring along mixed feelings. It can often take time to adjust to new schedules, new weather, and more! One thing that comes with the fall season is back to school, meaning packing lunches and planning ahead! I quite often get asked, “At school lunches are not ideal for what my child needs, so what do I pack for them to eat?” Whether your child is picky, or relatively open to trying new foods, here are some ideas for equipping them with nourishment this school season!
As always, aim for your balanced meal to have Protein + Carb + Veggie/Fruit + Fat
- Bento Boxes- get fun containers that are sectioned off for different compartments and fill them up with each component of a balanced meal!
- Rolled up Turkey + GF wrap (Siete is my favorite) + Carrots + Hummus or Guacamole + Clementine
- Hard-boiled Egg + Cucumber slices + Apple Slices + Yogurt
- Uncured Pepperoni + Crackers + Yogurt Ranch Dip + Celery Sticks or Snap Peas + Grapes
- Fun Handhelds (with recipes)
- Shredded chicken quesadilla + salsa + cut up veggies on the side + guac
- Gluten Free Sliders- https://kaylacappiello.com/gluten-free-sliders-dairy-free/#recipe
- GF Chicken nuggets/tenders- https://lexiscleankitchen.com/zesty-chicken-bites/
- Burrito or Wrap- https://lexiscleankitchen.com/meal-prep-freezer-burritos/
- Protein Rice Wrap Spring Rolls- https://grabthemangos.com/baked-spring-rolls-with-chicken-and-spinach/
- Other things to consider when you feel like you are running out of ideas-
- Think about what their favorite thing to eat out is and try to duplicate it!
- Get them involved in the kitchen or have them look up recipes on their own to give them empowerment that they made it.
- Find good dips or sauces that they really enjoy encouraging them to try new fruits, veggies, or proteins that they can dip in and enjoy. Some of my favorite brands of clean sauces are Primal Kitchen, Tessemae’s, and Chosen Foods.
I hope you have fun, and enjoy trying some of these recipes out! Be sure to tag us on Facebook and share photos- we love to see you thriving in the kitchen! If you are looking for more tips and tricks, or need more specific guidance and support with nutrition, please reach out to us and book a nutrition consultation with me so we can help restore joy through nutrition!
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
