With school back in session there’s a good chance that, if you’re a parent, you’re on the hunt for some healthy lunchbox ideas!
Today we’re sharing 7 Dietitian-Approved Lunchbox Treats
We know that the transition from the end of summer to the beginning of a new school year can be a challenge. It’s not easy going from a flexible, free-flowing schedule to one that’s more structured and routined. While all you mamas may be craving routine and are ready for school to be back in session, it takes a little mom-power to get all of the family members on the same wavelength. In addition, with the new school year, for many of you comes the daily task of packing lunches amongst many other daily to-do’s. Exactly why we value the way Verizon (today’s sponsor) devices helps busy parents prepare for the back to school season and routines as well as new schedules with to-do lists and reminders to capturing those first day of school photos on the iPhone 7.
In partnership with Verizon Wireless, we’re kicking off the school year by sharing 7 Dietitian-Approved Lunchbox Treats!
While it’s tempting to toss in a pack of fruit snacks, a sugary granola bar or a pre-made cookie as an easy lunchbox treat, it’s certainly not the healthiest option. As The Real Food Dietitians we take responsibility for what you pack in your kids’ lunchbox and it’s our job to help you pack wholesome, ‘real food’ treats for your kids. Not convenience treats that are loaded with sugar and non-nutritious ingredients but rather treats that provide nourishment and support a healthy and active lifestyle.
We love using the handy to-do list on the iPad Mini from Verizon Wireless.
When packing lunches, be mindful.
We encourage you to be mindful of what you’re packing in your child’s lunchbox. Ask yourself, “How will this food that I’m packing in _____(name of child) lunch nourish and fuel his/her body and mind?” Really think about this because nutrition can plan an impressive role in classroom behaviors and outcomes as well as overall energy and focus.
Today, we’re specifically focusing on ‘treats’. There are more than enough opportunities for your child to consume sugary treats during the school year. Just think, if a classroom has 30 students, that’s an average of roughly three birthdays a month. So three times a month, some form of a sweet treat (usually) is being served PLUS holidays and other special days. While you can’t control what’s being served on those days (unless you offer to make healthier birthday treats for all 30 students to share), what you do have 100% control over is what’s being packed in your kiddos lunchbox each day (provided they’re not trading lunch items with friends).
It’s time to cross off the first task of the to-do list!
Our 7 Dietitian-Approved Lunchbox Treats are low in sugar, easy to make, freezer-friendly and kid-approved. In addition, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, some are nut-free and they’re crazy delicious! We suggest you double the recipes and stock your freezer for easy lunchbox additions or after school snacking for the weeks or months to come.
7 Dietitian-Approved Lunchbox Treats including allergy-friendly options. Click To TweetDouble Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are grain-free, nut-free, low in sugar and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! They’re a perfectly packable, chocolaty treat.
iPhone 7 from Verizon Wireless comes in handy for taking photos to post on social media!
Get the Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffin recipe here.
Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins
A no-sugar added mini muffin is just what a lunchbox needs. These grain-free muffins rely on bananas for their sweetness and just so happen to be one of our most popular recipes on the blog and one all kids will love!
Photo taken with iPhone 7 from Verizon Wireless.
Get the Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffin recipe here.
No-Bake Apricot Almond Coconut Energy Bars
Here’s another no-sugar added treat but this time, instead of bananas, we used dried apricots for the sweetness. No-Bake Apricot Almond Coconut Energy Bars are made with just a few ingredient and provide a good source of healthy fats and carbs to keep the young ones fueled all afternoon. These bars can also be made into energy bites and you an even add a few mini-chocolate chips for a little something special!
Photo taken with iPhone 7 from Verizon Wireless.
Get the No-Bake Apricot Almond Coconut Energy Bars recipe here.
Homemade Chocolate Chip ‘Clif Bars’
An allergy-friendly bar that’s our take on the popular ‘Clif Bar’. These Homemade Chocolate Chip ‘Clif Bars’ are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free. They’re the perfect treat if your child has a sensitivity to nuts or goes to a nut-free school.
Get the Homemade Chocolate Chip ‘Clif Bar’ recipe here.
Pumpkin Spice Granola
Sending a small serving of our Pumpkin Spice Granola can really add a new level of fun and deliciousness to yogurt. This granola is made with real pumpkin (not just pumpkin pie spices) AND you get to control the amount of sweetener that is added. Store-purchased granolas are often times overly sweetened and all that sugar can really add up in a day. No thanks.
Impressive quality photos taken with our iPhone 7 from Verizon Wireless.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Granola recipe here.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Bites
These will most definitely be a favorite lunchbox treat because you really can’t go wrong with the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Feel free to substitute sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
Get the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Bites recipe here.
Almond Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
There’s a good chance you’ll become Mom of the Year with these Almond Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies! Low in sugar, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re a cookie that you can feel good about sending in your kiddos lunchbox. He or she will never know that they’re a ‘healthier’ version.
Get the Almond Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie recipe here.
We can’t wait to hear which of the 7 Dietitian-Approved Lunchbox Treats you try! Our hope is that you find a few new recipes that you can add to your lunchbox rotation. Again, these treats also make great after school snack options and don’t forget to double the recipes so that you can freeze a bunch for the weeks and months to come. Enjoy!
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This post was made possible by our friends at Verizon Wireless. Though we received compensation for this post, the opinions expressed here are – as always -100% our own. Thank you for supporting the great companies we work with thereby allowing us to continue creating great recipes and content for you.
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