More time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic means more meals are being consumed at home, too. I figured families might be struggling with lunch ideas, given that this meal is most often eaten outside of the home during school and work. Below are quite a few simple, healthy ideas to keep your family going.
As with all meals, you’ll want to include a protein, grain, vegetable and fruit. Here are some kid-friendly options:
Putting those choices together, here are some ideas:
Lunch Ideas for Families Spending More Time at Home
| Protiens | Whole grains | Vegetables | Fruits |
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Putting those choices together, here are some ideas:
LUNCH IDEAS FOR FAMILIES SPENDING MORE TIME AT HOME
GRILLED TURKEY BURGER
Now that the weather’s getting nicer, we don’t have to wait until dinner to grill out! Add a whole grain bun and a fruit and veggie.
SALAD WITH TURKEY
Salad with turkey is the perfect lunch! Add cheese and apple slices on the side and you’ve got a complete meal.
HOMEMADE “LUNCHABLES”
The options are endless! Add lunch meat and cheese to whole grain crackers. Include a fruit and a vegetable.
TUNA SALAD
Combine tuna salad with whole grain crackers, snap peas, and berries.
BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH
Who says you have to eat breakfast in the morning? Scramble up some eggs, add a veggie (and even leftover salmon if you have it!) and throw in a fruit for a perfect change-up to lunch.
PASTA SALAD
Use last night’s pasta to make pasta salad. Add a protein, like chicken, and a vegetable, like broccoli. Include a fruit on the side to round out the meal.
CHICKEN SANDWICH
Add a chicken breast to a whole wheat bun or bread, with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Include a fruit and veggie of their choice!
HUMMUS VEGGIE WRAP
Stuff a whole-grain wrap with hummus and all kinds of veggies! Add in their favorite fruit.
PEANUT BUTTER (OR SEED BUTTER) TOAST
Dress up plain toast with peanut butter or a nut-free alternative! Include yogurt for extra protein and a fruit and veggie of their choice.
LAST NIGHT’S DINNER LEFTOVERS
Leftovers are the best, because all you have to do is re-heat! The picture shows pasta with meat sauce. Make sure to include a fruit and vegetable with a protein and carb.
TACO BOWLS
Use last night’s leftover taco meat for a taco salad or taco bowl for today’s lunch. Include veggies and cheese, as well as a fruit.
Great ideas…..I have gotten in a rut with my family and this is just the inspiration I needed. Excited to try breakfast for lunch. Thank you Children’s Hospital!