Why purchase a lunch that not only has zero nutritional value, but actually contains ingredients that are detrimental to your children’s health? Of course, the lure of this product is its convenience, but that’s the whole problem with processed foods – you trade convenience for quality nutrition.
Believe me, I’m not trying to be a lunchbox killjoy here – in fact, the more fun lunch is, the more likely it is that your child will eat it. So that’s what inspired me to create a few Healthy Homemade Lunchables ideas that are as nutritious as they are fun to create and eat. The following three lunchable-makeover recipes are my boys’ personal favorites. I hope your children enjoy them too!
The fun-colored *reusable BPA-free storage containers
Here’s to making lunch healthy and FUN! 🙂
P.S. I’ve got a fun way to say I Love You! These little Lunchbox Love Notes are absolutely precious, and are such a heartfelt way to let your kids know how much you love and care about them.
Whether you have preschoolers, elementary age kids or teens, SayPlease.com has an amazing line of “love notes” for kids of all ages, even adults. The notes include an inspiring message along with cool trivia and funny jokes.
I love putting these thoughtful little notes into my boys’ lunchboxes, because I know it makes them feel loved and special!
Grilled Chicken Dunkers
Wrap individually (or place in reusable separate containers) the following items:
• Leftover grilled chicken, cut into bite-size chunks
• Homemade ranch dressing for dipping
• Raw zucchini sticks
• Fresh melon
• Grain-free fruit muffin
Turkey & Cheese Cracker Stackers
Wrap individually (or place in reusable separate containers) the following items:
• Grain-free crackers
• Nitrate-free turkey slices, cut into squares
• Raw cheese, cut into squares
• Cultured dill pickle (cultured pickles contain beneficial probiotics, we like Bubbies brand)
• Organic grapes
• Crispy nut mix with dried cherries and fair-trade dark chocolate chips
Make-Your-Own-Pizza
Wrap individually (or place in reusable separate containers) the following items:
• GF bagel, cut in half (for little ones or light eaters, just pack one half)
• Organic pizza sauce
• Organic shredded mozzarella cheese
• Organic apple slices
• Healthy cookies
From Leftovers to Lunchables
And be sure to check out “From Leftovers to Lunch” for a few of our favorite ways to transform leftovers into healthy, delicious and FUN “lunchables” the whole family will love!
Three cheers for healthy “lunchables” that are just as nutritious as they are delicious!
Looking for more great lunch ideas and recipes?
Be sure to check out my friend Laura at MOMables for lots of whole food based recipes and ideas for making lunch delicious, nutritious and FUN! (P.S. Laura offers a weekly lunch meal plan subscription program. There is no obligation, but if you opt to sign up via the link here, a small portion of the proceeds helps to support The Nourishing Home at no additional cost to you. Thank you!)
Happy lunch packing! Joyfully Serving HIM, Kelly
This look delish I know I will make this for my children!
Awesome! It’s fun to be able to find healthy lunch ideas that are easy to whip up too! Thanks for taking the time to leave a note! Blessings, Kelly
I love the idea, always looking for inspiration!
So glad you’ve found these ideas inspiring! Thanks for your kind note! 🙂
These look great, Kelly!
Do the little containers have lids on them for stuff that you don’t want leaking all over the place?
Also, maybe you already checked, but are they BPA free?
I did a quick check but didn’t notice anything.
Thanks!
Hi, Adrienne! Thanks for your question. It’s a good one that others may also be wondering about, so appreciate you taking the time to ask.
The laptop lunch boxes and containers are completely free of lead, BPA, phthalates and PVC. With regard to the lids, they’ve got those too. In fact, you don’t have to buy the lunchbox, but can just purchase the containers with lids, if you’d like.
Here’s the link to save you time: http://secure.laptoplunches.com/items.asp?Cc=BUDDIES%5F2%2E0&Bc=
I have had my set of containers and lids for more than 5 years now and they are still as good as the day I purchased them. I am not an affiliate or get anything out of endorsing this company, I just am a customer who appreciates their great products.
Blessings, Kelly
Oh my gosh, these look so good! Now I want a “lunchable”.
LOL, Vanessa! You have my permission to have one too – make it a mom-able by adding what you like! I’m thinking fancy chicken salad stuffed in endive, or little cucumber cream cheese sandwiches … I think I need more girl interaction! An afternoon tea party just doesn’t work with a house full of boys – LOL! 🙂
I pray God blesses this beautiful blog! I love your heart for God and for healthy food! Your blog is a great resource. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Laura, for your kind words! What a joy to be able to bring glory to God in everything we do! I appreciate you taking time to write these kind words of encouragement! You have blessed me! 🙂
What a wonderful collection of lunch ideas- love the images too:-)
Thanks so much, Rebecca! Appreciate your kind words and you taking time to comment! 🙂
This is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you for this. I have been having a hard time finding things to put into my picky daughters lunch box. This looks so appealing.
You are SO welcome! Thanks for taking time to leave a cute note. It’s really true that when food looks good, it’s more appealing and these little Bento-style containers really help to make a healthy lunch look yummy and fun! I want to encourage you to get your daughter involved in making her lunch with you! Getting your kids to participate in healthy food prep is a great strategy to increase not only their openness to trying new foods, but also is a great way to educate them about the importance of healthy eating! Blessings to you, Kelly 🙂
I love all your great kid-friendly and nutritious lunch (and otherwise) ideas. I have yet to buy a laptop lunchbox, but have had my eye on them for a while. Perhaps I’ll put that on our Christmas list 🙂 Thanks for sharing this week at Allergy-Free Wednesdays! We’d love for you to join us again next week.
Have a great weekend!
~Michelle, AFW Hostess
Thanks, Michelle! So glad you like the healthy lunch ideas! I always enjoy Allergy-Free Wednesdays – appreciate you hosting it! Blessings to you and your family! 🙂 Kelly
Wow what a smart idea. The food looks delicious!
Carly @ ryandcar.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Carly! I appreciate you taking time to leave a kind note! Blessings, Kelly 🙂
Beautiful lunches that even a mom would enjoy! 🙂
Thanks so much for your sweet words, Judy! 🙂
I can totally relate! I am also surrounded by boys all day, hehe. Cucumber sandwiches are now on my mind. 🙂
Oh, Vanessa, you just gave me the craving … I just love tasty little cucumber cream cheese sandwiches! Mmm! 🙂
Hi,
Great options! I’m always looking for ideas for kids’ healthy lunches. I like your entire website, by the way. How about some containers that keep the food warm? I would love to send my kiddos to school with some warm soup or stew. Thanks.
Liz
Hi, Liz. Thanks for your kind remarks. For keeping foods warm, there are some great thermos on the market. I found this product review article by Good Housekeeping really helpful in determining which thermos are good options for kiddos:
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/childrens-products/thermal-lunch-box-reviews/best-thermos-containers
Blessings, Kelly 🙂