As promised, yesterday I said I would share 5 days worth of healthy gluten free school lunches. Tomorrow, I will share how we pack these lunches to give you a few more ideas.
Day One
grassfed hot dog chunks
cheese cubes
grapes
grape tomatoes
optional: GF crackers
square of dark chocolate
This lunch is fun because I send toothpicks along, and the kids love it (just like they love sampling day at the co-op!).
Day Two
whole milk plain yogurt with frozen berries drizzled with honey
salami slices
celery & carrot sticks with hummus
GF graham crackers
Day Three
beans and rice
shredded lettuce
shredded cheese
salsa
avocado slices
corn chips
Today’s lunch is fun because everything is packed in different small containers, where everything can be dipped into with the corn chips or where it could be dumped on top of the beans and rice.
Day Four
Turkey wrapped (2 deli slices) cheese stick(s)
ants on a log
berries
red bell pepper strips
homemade popcorn
Day Five
lettuce wrap with mayo/hummus, sprouts, turkey, shredded carrots, cheese (Bibb or Romaine lettuce works well)
apple slices
GF rice chips
jicama strips
The thing to keep in mind with packing lunches is to offer variety, crunchy and soft, juicy and dry, and lots of color. Keep in mind the Standard American Diet (SAD) is very bland and boring, both in taste and in color. If there is taste and color it comes from artificial flavors msg and food dyes. Train the children’s palates towards high quality, nutrient dense food and they will more often than not steer in that direction.
We offer a snack in each lunch as snack time occurs mid-morning. This could be any homemade GF baked good, popcorn, hummus/rice chips, more fruit or veggies, trail mix, cottage cheese, or a smoothie (in a jar).
What are some of your favorite healthy school lunch ideas?
