The “back-to-school” season is always stressful – with getting new supplies, meeting this year’s teachers, and buying the kids new clothes. But packing lunches doesn’t have to be a chore! Send your children off to school with this healthy, cheap, and easy 15-minute lunch!
Assorted Veggies & Hummus
Pack some assorted veggies like carrots and cucumbers with store-bought or homemade hummus. Hummus contains protein and other nutrients, so it is healthy when consumed in moderation. Homemade hummus often contains only a few ingredients like chickpeas, olive oil, and spices, so it is easy to make. However, store-bought hummus still has health benefits – and the delicious taste.
Quick Fried Rice
Sauté frozen sliced carrots, peas, and corn with vegetable oil in a pan. Then add brown rice and a splash of soy sauce.
Chocolate Almonds
Almonds are full of protein, making them the perfect midday snack to replenish energy for facing the rest of the day. For a yummy and satisfying treat, pack these easy chocolate-covered almonds.
Melt 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate in the microwave or stovetop. Once melted, add almonds to the chocolate and mix until they are coated in chocolate. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon sea salt. Coat 5-10 almonds at a time in the cocoa mixture. Adding all the almonds at once causes them to bunch together and not coat evenly.
Spread the almonds out on a baking sheet and let them dry.
Note: While almonds are healthy (and contain protein and nutrients) they are incredibly caloric. Please eat them in moderation, especially if you are trying to help your child lose weight, and make sure to measure out a proper serving size instead of eyeballing it.
By Kelsey Sinclair