There is too much to do!
Kids are usually a little picky, but who wouldn’t be if they were just forming their own opinions about what hits their taste buds! We all have likes and dislikes, but these lunches are a sure way to win over those kids or to just give yourselves a break without breaking their vegan streak. It is a way to keep your kids getting a diversity of nutrients and also getting that plant powered protein that keeps those kids full and energized throughout their day! Feel free to mix and match and say “That’s crazy, I’m not doing that!” and just use this as a reference for your own unique ideas for your bundles of joy!
5 Lunches That Rock!
Mac and Cheese
There is a great instant mac and cheese recipe that is totally vegan and can be saved in the pantry for a quick mix meal. This can be made ahead of time and is really a lifesaver when it comes to your time. I make a little pot and separate it to be heated up before school and stored in a container that will keep it warm till lunch time. Best of all its “kid approved”! Who doesn’t like Mac and Cheese? Even when it's vegan!
Instant Mac and Cheese Recipe Linked Below:
Sammys
You can never go wrong with a quick sandwich! PB and J, PB and Honey, or an alternative butter or jam! This is for sure an “I am running late so let me whip something up” type of lunch and it totally fills the belly! Keep several jams, butters and honey on hand for these rushes lunches. You will thank yourself later! This is a traditional lunch that you can really put any spin on or even customize it to your kids unique taste buds!
Hummus and Friends
Hummus goes with everything… I mean mostly! I always like to put a container of hummus in my kids’ lunch and pair it with either pita bread or carrots. I am the parent to ask my child so that they feel like they are in charge a little as well! This is also an on-the-go lunch that you can just throw together and pair with some other fruits and veggies to get a complete lunch with some plant-powered protein!
Pasta
Who doesn’t like pasta!?! Kids especially have a favorite type of pasta even if it's seasoned noodles! Bowl a large pot of noodles and get premade vegan sauces (pesto, marinara and alfredo all come in vegan jars). Plus! A free jar! This is another pack ahead of time lunch that can be used for several days. Also, you could use the leftovers from pasta dinner the night before and just put the rest in separate containers for grab and go lunches! Just heat and go!
Rice and Beans
Another pack-ahead lunch… go figure! Making some seasoned pinto beans in a crock pot and then throwing some rice in the rice cooker has to be the easiest meal prep I have ever heard of! Then just separate and this lunch could even be used for you at work as well! Lunch buddies! Starches and carbs go down easy with kids and this is a great way to get kids some more of that great plant-powered protein in their lunch bags!
Make Life as Easy as Possible
Getting to know what your kids like and dislike is just as rewarding as finding out what they are learning in school. Getting out the door can be hard, but hopefully these ideas can help that morning routine get a little easier and for you to get a teensie tiny break from thinking and worrying about what your kids will eat during the day!
Happy parenting and being that eco hero you were meant to be!
Enjoy the day!
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