Healthy Lunch Ideas {Guest Post from Laura at Mommy Run Fast!}

Hi everyone! I’m happy to be here, covering for Melissa today.  I’m a mom to a 3yo girl, runner (training for the Philly marathon), holistic health coach and part time spin instructor.  I blog at Mommy Run Fast, where I share running and training info as well as healthy recipes.

I thought I’d share with you some lunch ideas, as it is back to school time!

Even with the best intentions, I tend to get in a rut … I like sending my 3yo with things I know she’ll eat (anything nut butter related) but I also want her to get a variety of nutrients.

Here are some lunch ideas to help spark your creativity:

Roll-ups (our favorite, with endless combinations)

• Hummus and shredded Veggies (carrot, zucchini, beet)
• NB &B (peanut, almond or sunflower seed butter with sliced bananas)
• Melted Cheese and Tomato
• Black Bean + Spinach Spread +Cherry Tomatoes
• Avocado (mashed) and shredded cheese (optional nitrate free turkey)

Finger Food Leftovers

• Leftover spring rolls or California sushi rolls
• Jamie’s Tofu and Kale Dumplings
• Mini Corn Quinoa cakes 
• Spinach Spanokopita Triangles
• Katie’s Caprese Salad on a stick

Breakfast for Lunch

• Mini- frittatas with spinach or broccoli
• Healthy muffins, such as Carrot-Raisin “Everything” Muffin or Zucchini Muffin and a pb-banana “hot dog”
• Pancakes spread with nut butter
• Hardboiled eggs + homemade granola bars or cheddar crackers + Smoothie
• Mini-bagel and egg salad sandwich

Hot lunches

• High quality hot dog (we like Applegate) with slices of peppers or mushrooms, string cheese and fresh fruit
• Leftover pasta in a thermos
• Mushroom and cheese quesadilla
• Bean burrito
• Dinner leftovers- such as diced chicken, roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli
• Veggie Wontons

For more inspiration, check out Lindsay’s 50 Packable lunch ideas, Michelle’s School Lunch series and Lisa’s Smart Lunch box ideas.

Do you pack a lunch for yourself or your kids? What are your go-to items?