5 Ways to Create Your Healthiest School Year Yet

Picture this: You’re eight years old, and you just hopped off the school bus. You eagerly speed-walk toward your house and can hardly contain your excitement when you get to the door. You stroll in, ditch your backpack and shoes in the foyer (for someone to trip over later), and head straight for the pantry, where you proceed to stuff your face with cookies and chips.

Sound familiar?

You may have grown up on Little Debbie’s, but you may not want your little ones doing the same. It can feel difficult to find healthy lunches and snacks that kids actually like, but we’ve got a few tips to help you create the healthiest school year yet!

Tip #1: Make it a Masterpiece

Create a face on toast. Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into animals. Skewer fruit into rainbow kebabs. Use your imagination! It takes healthy eating from dull to delightful, and it will put a smile on even the pickiest of kiddos’ faces.

Tip #2: Keep it Colorful

Color makes everything more fun! A colorful plate indicates a well-rounded meal, and kids will love it. Make meals and snacks more vibrant with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheese!

Tip #3: Find Fun Containers

Whether you love it or not, packed lunches have returned! Some kids may not be too keen on bringing a lunch, but the right container or bag can make all the difference. Wouldn’t you be more excited to carry a lunch to school if it came in a trendy bag?

Bento boxes are also a huge trend right now! They make packing lunch more fun for parents and eating lunch more fun for kids.

Tip #4: Step-up Your Snack Game

Tired of packaged snacks lacking nutritional value? Fortunately, you can recreate the snacks your kids love right in your own kitchen with more nutrients and ten times less processing.

Grab some berries and try this homemade fruit roll up recipe! Or try some vegan cosmic brownies to satisfy that sweet tooth!

Tip #5: Don’t Forget Fresh Fruit!

Not all fruits are created equal when it comes to school lunch. These are our top three kid- and lunchbox-friendly fruits!

Apples are a schoolhouse staple! Check out this apple + dip container that keeps your apple safe from bruises and holds your favorite nut butter in the bottom.

Small mandarin oranges are perfect for kids because they’re easy-to-peel and seedless. Plus, they pack a vitamin C punch that will help boost kiddos’ immune systems!

Bananas are beloved by many kids, but it’s often hard for them to make it to lunch without bruises. Try one of these nifty banana keepers to protect the fruit from lunchbox injuries.