Lunch has always been a thorn in my side. Every day I struggle with what to fix for my little girl and me that is healthy, but also different, and every day I end up with the same same old boring meals…a turkey sandwich or peanut butter and jelly with chips. I seem to come home from my weekly trips to the grocery always with the same ingredients for the same lunches, except, perhaps, on that rare occasion when I’m feeling really adventurous and bring home the makings for tuna salad. (I’m such a trailblazer, right?!)
The straw that broke the camel’s back, however, was when my 2 1/2 year old looked up at me and said that she was “so000 over my lunches.” True story. Those were her exact words. It was then that I made the conscious decision to get out of my lunch rut and start making meals that we could both get excited about. After a quick Google search, I found myself bombarded with creative lunch ideas, and that was all it took. No more plain jane lunches or repeats. I found all kinds of ideas that were affordable, easy and quick, and I could not resist sharing some of my favorites with our readers. So, to all of you who are in the lunch rut, here is your chance to break free and spice up your mid-day break.
Click on the pictures to get the full recipes.
Cucumber Wraps with Laughing Cow Cheese
Whole grain rice cake with fat free cream cheese, raspberry vinaigrette and almonds. So easy!
Steamed shrimp mini tacos
A Tuna Pita Sandwich, but without all the mayo
A healthy alternative…pizza on whole grain bread
Flowers made from cheese and orange slices….my daughter would love this!
Kicked the rice up a bit by adding broccoli cheddar soup
Open Faced Chicken Avocado Melt. Yum!
The Healthy Elvis: almond butter and agave nectar
Quinoa and black beans with avocado and cilantro
For the trendy child in your life….sushi and edamame
Eggplant Pizza Pita Wrap
Pineapple Berry Sandwich
Interesting… A Tofurky (vegetarian turkey) Spinach Wrap
Add a little sweetness to your lunch with an Apple Dessert Wrap
Genious! A touch of sprinkles almost guarantees a happy plate for the kiddos.
Simple Tofu Fry
Leftover turkey can become Sauteed Turkey Salad.
A sweet surprise… sugar rice cakes with a hot chocolate pouch.
A not-so-boring pasta salad
Love the cut out stars made of cheese
A healthier version of those yummy lettuce wraps
Having tried a few of these, I’m happy to report a few more smiles at lunchtime these days, and I bet, as busy as so many of us stay with work and family responsibilities, these new meal ideas will make lunch not only interesting and delicious, but easy to manage, as well.
We’d love to know what ideas you have – let us know and we’ll share!
