School lunch season is approaching. Are you ready?
Packing lunch doesn’t seem that hard, but you know that with rules about what foods you can and can’t bring into the classroom, food texture aversions, and strong sensory preferences, it takes some serious creativity just to make sure your child eats during the day.
These healthy mix and match back to school lunch ideas for picky eaters have you covered through the fall.
Packed Lunch Pro Tips:
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Aim to include a protein, carb, and fruit/vegetable
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A little something sweet or a fun treat never hurt
Your Favorite Thermoses and Lunchboxes:
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Thermos that does it job through lunchtime
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5 Compartment Insulated Bento Box
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Leak-Proof Bento for Kids Who Hate Food Touching
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Hot and Cold Bento Box
20+ Packed Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters
Cold Lunches
Turkey + Cheese Roll-ups
Nut/Seed Butter + Jam Sandwich
Meat + Cheese Kabob
Pita Bread/crackers + Hummus
Cheese + Crackers
Mini Bagel + Cream Cheese
Hard Boiled Egg
Waffle + Nut/Seed Butter Sandwich
Cereal + Milk
Fruit Kabobs + Yogurt
Chips + Guacamole
Hot Lunches
Macaroni and Cheese
Chicken Soup
Refried Beans
Pizza Bagel
Quesadilla
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Taco Meat with Tortilla Chips
Pesto Pasta
Pizza Roll Up
Ravioli or Tortellini
Fruits and Veggies:
Berries
Grapes
Peaches
Applesauce
Freeze Dried Fruit
Mangoes
Bell Peppers
Melon
Raisins
Baby Carrots
Cucumbers
Grape Tomatoes
Edamame
Snap Peas
Nutritious Sides + Snacks
Granola Bars
Pretzels
Yogurt
Trail Mix
Fruit Leather
Popcorn
Banana, Zucchini, or Carrot Bread or Muffin
Chips + Salsa
Pudding Cup
Graham Crackers
Looking for more snack ideas to pack for lunch?
The Ultimate Sensory Snack Guide has 100s of healthy ideas for picky eaters with sensory food aversions.
Recap
Healthy school lunches should include at least one protein, carb, fruit/vegetable, and a special fun treat! Compartmentalized bento lunch boxes and insulated carriers make packing school lunches for a picky eater much easier!
You can find even more lunch ideas for autistic picky eaters here and here.
Homework
Map out a plan of lunches for the first week of school. Create a grocery list and take your child shopping with you (this increases your child’s interest in eating!).
PS – (I love the app Wunderlist for making a grocery list my husband and I can share).
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