With school just starting for so many families, I want to share some tips (and easy recipes) on how to make sure your kids are enjoying a simple vegan school lunch.
When my family started this journey in 2010, my three sons would throw most of their lunch in the trash can.
Real talk.
They complained that I never sent anything "good" and that no one wanted to trade with them because they didn't recognize hummus and kale chips.
This was very disappointing to say the least.
I wanted my boys to have as many fresh fruit and vegetables options as possible in their lunch bags -- and of course no meat, eggs or dairy.
Here's a simple formula that will make life easier for all...
Main Entree + Fruit/vegetable + Treat/junk food + Drink = Vegan School Lunch
The above formula gives balance and will allow you to give your kids healthy options and their favorite familiar treats that are vegan.
Examples of what each category in the formula looks like:
Main Entree: Peanut butter & jelly sandwich, pita pockets with sautéed vegetables and shredded vegan chicken strips (Beyond Meat is a decent brand sold at Target) and a bean burrito
Fruit/Vegetable: Grapes, apple slices & peanut butter, carrot sticks and hummus, mini salad (lettuce, cucumber, tomato, shredded carrots) with balsamic vinaigrette
Treat/Junk food: Plain potato chips, pretzels, and Oreo cookies
Drink: Water, chocolate almond milk and 100% fruit juice
This is just the beginning! The goal of this post is to give you the confidence to start (if you haven't already) with a vegan lunch that your kids will enjoy.
As time goes on, you will be able to get away with adding more healthy options to their lunch boxes.
Until then, be gentle with yourself and family as you navigate this better way of eating and life.
I did a video earlier this year with three simple and delicious vegan lunch. Check it out here....
I hope this is helpful!
What are your kids fave lunch meals?