Fun & Healthy Ideas for the Lunchbox
Help fuel each day with these healthy lunch and snack ideas!
![Popcorn](/getattachment/6ee767d0-ad82-42b2-8e8d-91a60687be78/Popcorn.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn with salt-free seasoning is an easy, inexpensive and healthy option compared to fatty and salty chips and crackers.
![Sunflower seeds](/getattachment/7bfca1e2-333f-4b19-a65c-c360b0b6cb0f/Seeds.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Seeds
Just a ¼ cup of sunflower or pumpkin seeds provides fiber, protein, and minerals that are good for you and give you energy.
![Chocolate Chips](/getattachment/980fe596-3cb7-4f94-815c-e3c85a334919/Chocolate-Chips.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Chocolate Chips
Just 10 to 12 dark chocolate chips are enough to satisfy a sweet craving without adding a lot of fat and calories.
![Kids lunch with crackers](/getattachment/8b36efb0-e4cc-4468-85f7-ddd7a9884d91/Crackers.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Crackers
Whole-grain crackers have fewer calories and more fiber, protein and iron per serving than regular crackers. They are still high in sodium so watch the portion size.
![Bowl of mixed nuts](/getattachment/e2158606-8832-4d55-823f-136ca06b2296/Nuts.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Nuts
Unsalted and/or roasted nuts are a low carb snack that is filling and full of protein, vitamin E, magnesium and selenium. An ounce is a good serving size. That’s about 24 almonds, 18 cashews, 15 pecans, 35 peanuts, 14 walnut halves.
![Pudding](/getattachment/a1fb81d4-1106-4c6c-a2f7-4e3bfb26a428/Pudding.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Pudding
Make your own or buy low- or no-sugar puddings for a slightly sweet treat that is fairly low in fat and calories, but high in taste.
![Happy child eating lunch at school](/getattachment/d18895cc-0921-4f6e-bbc0-b8ac51c540ec/Applesauce.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Applesauce
Add a cup of “no-sugar added” applesauce into the lunchbox. Chances are your kid won’t miss the added sugar.
![Animal crackers](/getattachment/9fe6fa6d-6783-4b12-afe0-7e7db06e4737/Animal-Crackers.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Animal crackers
This old favorite usually is fairly low in fat, calories and sugar. If you are watching carbohydrates, pay close attention to the serving size.
![Mother and daughter baking together](/getattachment/eb57d585-cbdd-4582-9d62-a7ac6e69928c/Cookies.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Cookies
Reduce the sugar by half in your homemade recipes. You won’t taste the difference and less added sugar is a healthy habit.
![Celery sticks with nut butter](/getattachment/1becc33e-e1d2-49af-92c4-609ca4d75a80/Vegetables.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg)
Fruit & Veggies
Fresh fruit and vegetables cut into small pieces with a small container of nut or seed butter or 1-2 oz. of cheese or hummus is a healthy addition to any lunch or snack.
This information has been approved by Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDE (August 2019)