Lunchtime. Other than the last bell, it is the most highly anticipated time of the day. As kids sit in idly class, they count down the hours, minutes, and seconds until their lunchtime freedom. Help your child make the most out of lunchtime by trying out new, creative lunchbox snacks. Incorporate ingredients that will increase your child’s memory, focus, and energy to maximize their learning abilities.

Pinwheel Sandwiches
Pinwheels are a classic lunchbox find that take minimal effort to make. Pair this protein packed meal with a side of fresh fruit or veggies.

Ingredients: Turkey or deli meat of your choice, tortillas, and cheddar chees slices or cheese of your choice.
Directions: Spread thin, even layers of deli meat and cheese on a tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla, incorporating all of the ingredients in the roll-up.

Pizza Sandwich
There’s not many things that kids love more than pizza. Turn their favorite meal into a convenient lunchbox snack with this pizza sandwich. This meal is packed with protein and is a great way to sneak veggies into your child’s diet without them knowing. Try adding in spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Ingredients: Bread slices, tomato sauce, grated or sliced mozzarella cheese, butter, oregano, chili flakes, chopped tomato and onion.
Directions: Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Spread sauce on bread and sprinkle with cheese, oregano, chili flakes, chopped tomato and onion. Fold bread into a sandwich and place in pan to toast until golden brown.

Fruit Kabobs
This snack is sure to satisfy any child’s sweet tooth. Select an array of all your child’s favorite fruits but be sure to include blueberries which are known to improve memory to make your child a vocabulary genius. Fruits contain a load of vitamins and nutrients that are essential for a child’s health. Leave your child’s teacher stunned by their memorization skills by packing their lunch with blueberries which also act as a great antioxidant. Pair this snack with a side of nuts or sunflower seeds to further increase your child’s focus abilities.

Ingredients: A selection of your child’s favorite fruits and toothpicks or mini skewers.
Directions: Chop fruits into small, bite-sized pieces and run the toothpicks or mini skewers through the center of them. Repeat this step for each fruit.

Lunchbox Tacos
Convince your child to make their own lunch with this interactive meal. Pack your child’s favorite toppings in mini containers with tortillas so they can create their own tacos. Try including fresh guacamole or avocado slices to boost your child’s energy so they can take on the second half of the day.

Ingredients: Tortillas, shredded chicken, shredded Mexican cheese, and guacamole.
Directions: Pack toppings and tortillas into separate mini containers and place in lunchbox.

Mac n Cheese Muffins
Mac n cheese is a dish that kids simply cannot resist. Try this creative spin on the classic dish to make sure your child gets all of the protein they need to conquer the day.

Ingredients: two cups made and cooled boxed mac n cheese, two beaten large eggs, one cup diced ham, and 1/4 cup bread crumbs.
Directions: Combine ingredients and fill eight greased muffin tins with mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

By: Jenna Greaves