8 Grain Free Healthy Lunch Box Ideas

Jump to:

• Lunch Time Need Not Be Difficult
• Lunch Box Ideas For Kids And Adults
• Why Are Healthy Lunches Important For Kids?
• 8 Great Grain Free Lunch Box Ideas
• More Healthy Lunch Box Foods
• Make A Balanced Lunch
• Make Meal Prep Easy
• Best Containers For Lunches
• Fresh Veggies and Fruit Is Key
• Allergies And Restrictions
• What Do You Put In Your Lunch Box?

Lunch Time Need Not Be Difficult

My best advice when making lunches is think ahead! Some of my daughter’s favorite lunch box items are simply leftovers from dinner! Sometimes dinner fits perfectly into the lunch box & sometimes you just have to think of ways of switching it up a bit. All the suggestions that can be made from leftover dinners are highlighted!

Check out my post on healthy travel snacks for kids.

Lunch Box Ideas For Kids And Adults

These easy lunch idea are great for both kids and adults. So if you're wanting to do some meal planning for work then you may want to use these as adult lunch box ideas.

Why Are Healthy Lunches Important For Kids?

Healthy lunches are important for kids because they not only provide nutrition, but they also help fuel the mind and body with energy throughout the day. Eating healthy at lunchtime can help to reduce stress, improve focus in school, increase alertness and prevent mid-afternoon dips in energy levels.

8 Great Grain Free Lunch Box Ideas

So here are 8 fantastic lunch box ideas that are grain free.

1. BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH

Breakfast for dinner? Anyone can do that! Surpise your kids with breakfast for lunch. Whip up a quick omelette or make my Mushroom & Zucchini Frittata.

2. STUFFED AVOCADO

Perfect, portable & even comes in it’s own half shell. Stuff your avocado with any mixture like tuna or chicken salad. Worried about mayo sitting in the lunch box? Make a refreshing salad of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, fresh dill, salt & pepper! Check out these recipes for stuffed avocados!

3. APPLE SANDWICHES

My kids favorite! The apple sandwich. Typically this is our dessert around here but the kids wouold be over the moon to find it in their lunch box. You can use Sun Butter (made of sunflower seeds) if your school is nut free. Add some Enjoy Life chocolate chips (gluten, diary, nut & soy free) & lunch is served!

4. PORK CHOP, APPLE & CHEESE

Leftover chops from dinner? I know it doesn’t happen very often but let’s say you grill up a couple of extras for lunch. Chop them up & serve with apples & cheese!

5. SPAGHETTI SQUASH & MARINARA

Spaghetti squash is delicious with butter & salt but add some marinara or fresh cherry tomatoes for a non noodley treat. Check out this simple recipe for Roasted Spaghetti Squash!

6. MEATBALLS

Everyone has a favorite meatball recipe. I like to add kale to mine! Save a few of those babies before the kids grab them up & they’ll be excited to see them again in the next day’s lunch box! Check out this easy recipe for Buffalo Sauce Meatballs.

7. BOILED EGGS

Boiled eggs – the perfect meal. Some kids love em, some kids don’t. I like to make mine even more fun by using these fun egg molds. I mean, who can say no to those cute molds??

8. STEAK & PEPPERS

Again, take an opportunity from dinner to slice up some nice steak for the kiddos. Full of protein, tastes good hot or cold (or that’s just me) & make things colorful by throwing in some raw bell peppers. Check out this steak fajitas! So yummy!

More Healthy Lunch Box Foods

For more healthy lunch box ideas, try the following:

• Tortilla chips with black bean dip
• Canned Tuna on gluten free crackers - this is one of my favorite gluten free lunch ideas.
• Green Salad with chicken and feta cheese
• Brown rice with chicken broth, veggies and shrimp
• Mini veggie burgers with hummus - try making your own veggie burgers for a healthier option.
• Fruit salad - fresh fruit is always great in a bento box!
• Hard boiled eggs, carrots and celery slices - these are also great snacks that can be added to the lunch box.
• Celery sticks and nut butter or almond butter
• Frozen Fruit and greek yogurt
• Grilled Chicken and quinoa salad - you'll love the Mediterranean flavors.

Make A Balanced Lunch

The key to a great balanced lunch box is having enough food from the different food groups.

Try to include at least 1 serving of protein, complex carbohydrates and fruits or vegetables. It is also important to pack something that your child will actually eat so make sure you ask them for their opinion.

Make Meal Prep Easy

Packing lunch the night before is a great way to make meal prep easy for work or school. However if you want to fill your lunch boxes in the morning, then feel free to do so, both methods work well.

Best Containers For Lunches

When it comes to packing lunch boxes, the right container can make all the difference. Look for containers that are BPA and lead-free, microwave safe, airtight and leak proof. Mason jars are a great option as well as stainless steel bento boxes or divided plastic containers with compartments. This will help keep food fresh and organized.

Fresh Veggies and Fruit Is Key

The key is having healthy food, fresh fruit, fresh veggies and lots of creative ideas. From colourful vegetable sticks such as carrot sticks to apple slices and mixed berries, you can fill your lunch box with great ideas. Don't forget the plant based protein!

Allergies And Restrictions

If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, you can still have a healthy and delicious lunch box. Look for vegan and gluten free options such as vegan wraps, quinoa bowls or chickpea salads.

There are also lots of allergy friendly snacks that can be added in to the mix such as gluten free crackers, rice cakes and nut free trail mix. If you’re dealing with a nut-free school, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative to traditional nut butters!

The idea is to make lunch fun and enjoyable for everyone involved! With a little bit of creativity and planning, you can easily come up with interesting and delicious gluten free lunch ideas if needed.