Ideas for Packing a Healthy School Lunch!

Ali Segersten

Well, September is here, school is beginning and it is time for packing lunches once again! The above lunch was made by my 8 year old daughter. It is composed of a quesadilla made with refried beans and two brown rice tortillas, blackberries and sliced nectarines, sliced carrots and cucumbers, raw cashews, almonds, and chocolate chips. As you can see, very simple and nutritious, full of key nutrients for a growing and developing brain.

First off, if you haven't read the post I did last year on Packing a Healthy School Lunch you might want to check it out. I have a colorful chart with pictures of foods in each food group that you can download, print, and post on your refrigerator for a quick reminder of what to pack. This way your child can choose a food from each category to create a healthy, balanced lunch.

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Chicken Stew-2

Main Dish/Protein Ideas:

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CURRIED CARROT CAULIFLOWER SOUP-1

Vegetables/Fruits:

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Nori Rolls with Sticky Brown Rice

Grains:

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Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

Treats:

We don't always have treats around but when we do it would be some of the following (fruit is sometimes the best and easiest treat of all):

Please share your healthy school lunch ideas in the comment section below!

ALI-2023-PHOTO-VERTICAL-2

About the Author

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN, is the founder of Nourishing Meals®, an online meal-planning membership with over 2000 nourishing recipes and tools to support dietary change and better health. As a functional nutritionist, professional recipe developer, and author of The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, Nourishing Meals, and co-author of The Elimination Diet, she helps people overcome health challenges through food. A mother of five, Alissa understands the importance of creating nutrient-dense meals for the whole family. Rooted in science and deep nourishment, her work makes healthy eating accessible, empowering thousands to transform their well-being through food.

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