Lunchables. We all had them (and loved them as kids). Now that we are older, we realize they are really just over-processed, overpriced, and come with a list of ingredients that are a mile long.

The good news is, Lunchables are just deconstructed meals placed in compartmentalized boxes, so they can easily be made much healthier at home! In order to create a DIY Lunchable, all you need is a container with compartments, or silicone muffin wrappers to separate ingredients! As for the ingredients, include things from each of the lists below to be sure you are making a balanced meal made up of carbs, proteins, fruits/veggies, and some type of dip. Throw in a small treat to make them more appealing. When they are old enough, allow your kiddo(s) to be involved in making the decisions about what to include. It will save you some energy and it will encourage them to develop good eating behaviors!

It's easy to compose a balanced lunch when you pick 1-2 items from each food group like so:

Carbohydrates:

• Crackers
• Mini pitas
• Granola bar
• Muffin
• Bread (cut into shapes with a cookie cutter to make it more fun)
• Mini bun
• Tortilla
• Tortilla chips
• Pretzels

Proteins:

• Ham
• Turkey breast
• Cheese
• Hard-boiled egg
• Pepperoni
• Organic hot dogs
• Chicken
• Egg muffins
• Chicken nuggets
• Mini meatballs
• Flavored Greek yogurt

Fruit & Veggies:

• Apple slices
• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Grapes
• Orange slices
• Carrot sticks
• Celery sticks
• Bell pepper slices
• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Cherry tomatoes
• Snow peas

Dips/Sauces:

• Ranch dressing
• Ketchup
• Guacamole
• BBQ sauce
• Nut butter
• Hummus
• Pizza sauce

Treats:

• Homemade cookies
• Chocolate chips
• Organic fruit snacks
• Yogurt-covered raisins
• Mini marshmallows
• Dried fruit

And there you have it! An easy and creative way to make lunch box that your kids will actually eat! xo Katie