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Back To School Lunches for Busy Moms
Back-to-school is here! The first week can be extra busy and stressful~especially for working parents. That is why we have come up with a list of 15-minute recipes for school lunch boxes that are nutritious, and of course delicious!
All products involved in these recipes can be found at Walmart, Longos, Buy-Low Foods, and Nester’s Market, so make sure to use Moola to save money at these top grocery brands!
Find Quick and Healthy Lunch Box Ideas
You can never go wrong with a good turkey sandwich as a school lunch. Lean meats, like turkey, are highly nutritious and a popular protein source worldwide. Turkey is also a rich mineral source and loaded with B vitamins. Pair this with fresh blueberries and some chips and you have a well-balanced meal that’s not only healthy but tastes great!
No shame in ready-made grocery pasta. Pasta is a great food item for school lunches as it’s nutritious and will keep you fuller for longer! Specifically, pesto broccoli pasta is easy to make while containing nourishing ingredients. Rich in vitamins and monounsaturated fats, pesto and broccoli provide your body with tools to keep your heart healthy. Veggies are a great side to pasta, making this a worthwhile and delicious meal.
Chicken wraps are a healthy and filling lunch option that you or your child will love! For its contents, use a lean chicken breast and a whole-wheat tortilla to cut back on calories. Whole grain products also contain more fibre and protein than white carbs. Matching this with crackers and veggie sticks is the perfect combo to make this meal complete.
An easy-to-make vegetarian option is an Italian salad which is a simple but delicious salad, made from mozzarella, basil and tomato. However, you can adjust this salad however you like, which can include adding peppers, salad leaves, and black olives! You could even add some left-over chicken or tuna if you’re wanting to add some meat to the salad.
If you’re looking for something less heavy and more of a snack, hummus with pretty much everything is the way to go. Not only does hummus have a variety of health benefits that improve blood sugar control and digestive health, but it’s also a delicious choice made of mashed chickpeas. Pita bread and veggies are easy-to-eat food items to munch with hummus throughout your day.
If you or your child has access to a microwave at school, chicken noodle soup is a fantastic lunch option. Classic Campbell soup is especially great for cold weather days. This nutritious meal is packed with a range of macro- and micronutrients, including protein, fibre, B vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids and more. Dipping whole-wheat bread in the soup and having a nice granola bar as a snack after is the icing on the cake for this healthy and enjoyable meal.
While quesadillas have a notoriously “unhealthy” reputation, they’re actually a great way to easily get carbs, fibre, protein and vegetables in your system if made right. Some ways to achieve a healthy quesadilla include using whole-wheat tortillas, filling them with protein such as eggs, plant-based cheeses, and beans, and vegetables like onions, spinach and peppers. Grapes and avocado are also a refreshing side to have with your delicious quesadillas.
Taking a healthier twist on the classic PB&J sandwich, almond butter and fruit spread is a nutrient-dense alternative that’s rich in vitamin E. Almond butter also contains unsaturated fats and protein that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Matching this with fresh strawberries, avocado, carrots, and edamame to snack on makes this a diverse meal that satisfies all of your hunger needs.
Bagels are a healthy alternative to traditional bread since it’s made with whole grains which help balance blood sugar and support healthy digestion. Having this with ham, which is rich in protein, and cream cheese, which is a great source of vitamin A, makes for a great meal. Pairing this with frozen edamame and orange wedges are perfect sides to balance your lunch.
If you’re looking for a light snack-like meal that is healthy, easy-to-make, and delicious, create your own D.I.Y veggie set! Possible veggies in your set could include, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes. Mix this with your favourite dipping sauce and you have an enjoyable and healthy DIY snack to munch on throughout your day.
Take The Stress Out Of Back To School
We know that it can be tricky to think of school lunches that are not much of a time burden while also still being packed with nutrients. That is why we created this comprehensive lunch idea list to help alleviate this often overlooked challenge.
Also, if you’re looking for ways to save money while grocery shopping, check out our blog on 5 easy ways to save money on groceries.
Make sure to download the Moola app for more deals on back-to-school essentials on hundreds of your favourite brands that you know and love!
