Registered dietitian Sonya Islam shares some delicious and different lunchbox ideas that pack a nutritional punch.
With school starting up again soon, you may be thinking about what your hardworking student will pack for lunch. Coming up with ideas that will not only satisfy their senses (because they’ll want their lunch to look AND taste appealing), but also provide the healthy fuel they need can be a tall order. Sonya Islam from our Healthy Lifestyles Center has you covered with several ideas that take some standard staples up a notch.
Tortilla twirls
Makes 1 serving
1 high-fiber tortilla- 1-2 Tablespoons peanut butter (depending on tortilla size)
- ½ small apple, thinly sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons favorite jam (optional)
Spread peanut butter evenly over tortilla. Scatter apple pieces over the peanut butter and press lightly to adhere. Roll tortilla firmly, then cut into pinwheels. Set pinwheel slices upright, then top with jam if desired. Serve within 2 days.
High-protein pasta salad
Makes 2-4 servings
2 cups high-protein pasta, cooked, drained and rinsed- 2 ounces mini mozzarella balls, halved
- 2 mini cucumbers, sliced
- 4 mini bell peppers, chopped
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup favorite Italian dressing
- ½-1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, beans, tuna or boiled eggs (optional – may need to cut into bite-size pieces)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Stir together all ingredients to combine evenly. Serve within 3 days.
Switch up the veggies and proteins for different flavors and textures each week.
Easy cheesecake dip
Makes 3 servings
- 5.3 ounce container plain Greek yogurt*
- 1-2 teaspoons of favorite sweetener*
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)*
- 2 tablespoons sunflower butter
- Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
*A shortcut is using vanilla Greek yogurt in place of these three ingredients.
Stir together all ingredients to combine evenly. Serve within 3 days.
Pack with your favorite fruits or other healthy dippers.