Want some family-friendly lunch ideas that your family gets excited to eat? And the "healthy" factor is a bonus!

Everybody could use some family-friendly lunch ideas because regularly turning to fast food uproots your family’s quest to get healthy. Check out these nutritious and easy-to-prepare ideas.

Execute these family-friendly lunch ideas by first planning ahead

Getting your kids out the door to school or appointments is not an easy task. Experiment with these tips to take some pressure off when it's time to go.

• Prepare lunch the night before, saving you time in the morning.
• Do some meal prep by making lunches and snacks for three days at a time, freeing up time when you really need it.
• Instead of waiting till Sunday night to clean out the fridge and meal plan, try building your list throughout the week. MyNetDiary’s grocery list feature makes it easy to build your list from the foods you eat every day as well as non-food items.
• Keep a stocked pantry, so you are always prepared. Click here to see what essentials the MyNetDiary dietitians keep on hand.

Dietitian-approved packable lunch ideas

These nutrient-rich lunches provide the inspiration you’ve searched for and need when it comes to family-friend lunch ideas!

Veggie & meat skewers

Keep it simple, and assemble bell peppers, cheese, and deli turkey on a skewer. Send these along with a packet of yellow mustard as a dipping sauce. Want to step up the nutrition and prevent soggy skewers? Place some cherry tomatoes and cucumber chunks in a separate container in the refrigerator. Then at the last minute, add these veggies to the skewers before they go out the door. Pair with hard-boiled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Almond butter pinwheels

Spread two tablespoons of natural almond butter on a ten-inch whole wheat tortilla. Drizzle with two teaspoons of agave or honey and swirl with the almond butter. Roll up the tortilla and cut it into even pieces. You might consider adding banana slices, coconut, or raisins in place of the agave or honey. You can easily swap out peanut or sunflower butter in place of almond butter. Pair with yogurt and assorted raw veggies for a super-quick lunch.

Mediterranean pasta salad

Have you tried legume pasta? With additional fiber and protein, these pastas are a healthier alternative to traditional pasta. Cook up a box, cool, and mix with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, broccoli chunks, garbanzo beans, and olives. Add balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and you have a tasty dish that pairs well with fresh fruit and raw nuts for a satisfying meal.

Quick-and-easy snack or meal ideas

These family-friendly lunch ideas are simple enough for just a snack and if paired together, offer enough balance and variety to make a last-minute picnic or light meal.

• Mixed nuts. Full of heart-healthy fats, nuts are filling and highly transportable.
• Chopped fresh fruit chunks. Wash and prep any assortment of fruit and place in a plastic resealable container. Watermelon, berries, and grapes are always a crowd-pleaser, and kids tend to eat more fruit if cut into bite-sized pieces and served to them regularly.
• Hard-boiled eggs. Rich in affordable protein and highly versatile, eggs can be made into a salad or simply cut in half and served alone.
• Snap peas. Rich in both vitamin C and beta carotene, these are often a favorite among toddlers who love to pop the peas out of the shell. Look for pre-washed snap peas in the produce section of your local grocery store.
• Dried fruit. Steer towards dark-pigmented berries or cherries, which are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Make sure to involve your kids in the prep

You want the best for your kids, and this includes forming healthy eating habits. Involve your kids in the healthy lifestyle process and its choices from an early age. Ask for input when building the weekly grocery list. For example, would they rather have zucchini or broccoli in their pasta primavera this week? Are they more excited about peaches or watermelon for dessert?

Engage your kids in the kitchen with age-appropriate tasks. Perhaps your kids can chip in with setting the table, washing the produce, or mixing a salad. Their hands-on involvement will naturally pique their interest in trying the foods they have just prepared. For specific, age-appropriate ways to get kids involved in the kitchen click here.

Pat yourself on the back for your efforts

Every parent knows that just because they prepare a healthy packable lunch, there’s no guarantee their kids will eat it. But don't give up! Strive to avoid giving in to chips and cookies. Instead, take a moment to reflect on all the things you are doing to encourage healthy eating habits in your home.

Finally, remember that building a healthy lifestyle takes effort, planning, and persistence. You’ve got this!

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Meal Planning & Diets->Lunch