This post was sponsored by Sabra as part of an Influencer Activation. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Easy & Healthy Back to School DIY Lunchables: A Parent’s Guide to Happy Eaters

As the vibrant hues of summer fade, the familiar rhythm of back-to-school life takes center stage. For many parents, this transition brings with it the daily challenge of meal planning and packing lunches that not only nourish but also excite their children. If your kids, like mine, tend to get bored with repetitive lunchbox offerings, then you’re in for a treat! Discovering the world of easy, customizable DIY lunchables has been a game-changer, injecting much-needed variety and fun into their midday meals.

The return to school this year, especially amidst life’s other transitions, has shown me the importance of flexibility – particularly when it comes to food. My children are notoriously picky about what goes into their lunchboxes, a common hurdle for many families. However, there’s one approach that consistently wins them over: DIY lunchables. The magic lies in their inherent customizability, allowing kids to feel a sense of ownership over their meals and ensuring that every bite is something they genuinely enjoy.

Solving the Picky Eater Predicament with Customized Lunches

For parents of picky eaters, packing the “perfect” lunch can often feel like an insurmountable quest. My kids, bless their hearts, would happily fill their lunchboxes with nothing but snacks if given the chance. This is precisely why DIY lunchables are an absolute godsend. They cleverly bridge the gap between “snack time” and a balanced meal, presenting an array of small, appealing servings that kids can pick and choose from. Imagine a miniature buffet right inside their lunchbox!

These individualized portions make it incredibly simple to include a diverse range of items: crisp crackers, savory slices of ham or turkey, cubes of cheddar and Swiss cheese, and, crucially, delicious dips. On my recent shopping trip to Walmart, I stocked up on all the essentials for our lunchables, including the fantastic Sabra Hummus Singles. These convenient little tubs are perfect for dipping and add a healthy boost of flavor and nutrition to any lunch.

The Wholesome Delight of Sabra Hummus Singles

Let’s talk about a secret weapon in the fight for delicious and nutritious kid-friendly lunches: Sabra Hummus Dip. This isn’t just any dip; it boasts a smooth, bold flavor that even the most discerning young palates tend to adore. What makes it so special? It’s crafted from fresh chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), creamy tahini, and a delicate touch of garlic, creating a wholesome and incredibly tasty experience.

Sabra Hummus Singles are a fantastic addition to any lunchbox because they offer a wealth of nutritional benefits. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which are essential for sustained energy throughout the school day and for promoting a feeling of fullness. This means fewer mid-afternoon energy slumps and better focus in class. The individual packaging is incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for extra containers and ensuring freshness. Whether paired with crunchy vegetables, pita bread, or a variety of crackers, Sabra Hummus transforms a simple snack into a satisfying and well-rounded part of the meal.

Beyond the lunchbox, the versatility of Sabra Hummus extends to countless other culinary adventures. It’s not just for dipping! I frequently use it in recipes, like my favorite hummus-crusted chicken, adding a unique depth of flavor and a healthy twist to family dinners. Knowing I’m giving my kids a tasty, packable snack that’s also genuinely good for them feels like a win-win situation. Remember, you can easily find Sabra Hummus and all your other lunchable ingredients at your local Walmart.

Crafting Your Easy Back To School DIY Lunchable: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these fun and healthy lunchables is simpler than you might think, and it’s a fantastic activity to involve your children in. Not only does it help them develop independence, but it also guarantees they’ll be more likely to eat what they’ve helped prepare. Here’s what you’ll need and how to assemble your perfect lunchbox:

What You’ll Need:

• Lunch Container: Opt for bento-style boxes with multiple compartments or a standard lunchbox paired with silicone muffin cups for organization. These containers are crucial for keeping items separated and fresh.
• Silicone Muffin Cups: These are ideal for separating different food items, preventing them from mixing, and adding a pop of color to make lunch more appealing.
• Starchy Base: A variety of crackers (wheat, rice, or gluten-free options are great), small pita bread triangles, or even mini pretzels. Choose options that provide sustained energy.
• Protein Power: Sliced lean ham, turkey, roast beef, hard-boiled eggs, or even leftover cooked chicken strips. Protein helps keep kids full and focused.
• Cheesy Goodness: Cubes or slices of cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone cheese. Cheese offers calcium and a delicious flavor kids love.
• Fresh Fruit: Grapes, berries, apple slices (tossed in a little lemon juice to prevent browning), orange segments, or melon cubes. Fruit adds natural sweetness and essential vitamins.
• Crunchy Vegetables: Celery sticks, baby carrots, cucumber slices, colorful bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes. These provide fiber and a satisfying crunch.
• Delicious Dip: Sabra Hummus Singles are a perfect choice, offering a creamy texture, savory flavor, and a boost of plant-based protein and fiber.
• Optional Fun: Small cookie cutters to create playful shapes with ham and cheese. This simple trick can instantly make lunch more exciting and encourage picky eaters.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Base: Start by placing your chosen crackers, pita bread, or other starchy base in one of the main compartments or silicone cups of your lunch container.
2. Add Protein: Arrange folded slices of ham or turkey, or your chosen protein source, in another section. If you’re using cookie cutters, gently press them into the meat and cheese before adding them to the box for fun shapes.
3. Include Cheese: Place cheese slices or cubes alongside the protein. This provides a good source of calcium and fat for energy.
4. Fruit & Veggie Power: Fill two to three compartments with a colorful assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. Aim for a rainbow of choices to maximize nutrient intake and visual appeal.
5. Don’t Forget the Dip: Tuck a convenient Sabra Hummus Single into one of the smaller sections. It’s the perfect, wholesome accompaniment for both crackers and veggies, making them even more enticing.
6. Seal & Go: Secure the lid tightly on your lunch container, and your healthy, customizable DIY lunchable is ready to go! It’s that easy to create a lunch your kids will actually look forward to.

Endless Possibilities: Creative Lunchable Combinations

The beauty of DIY lunchables lies in their incredible versatility. Once you have the basic structure down, the variations are truly endless, ensuring your kids never get bored. By regularly rotating ingredients and themes, you can keep lunch exciting and introduce them to new flavors and textures. Here are some “other options” and creative themes to inspire your next packing session:

• Mini Pizza Power: Small pita bread rounds or mini bagels can serve as the base. Add a dollop of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and slices of pepperoni or cooked chicken. Your child can assemble their own mini pizza at lunchtime!
• Mediterranean Medley: Combine pita bread triangles or crisp cucumber slices with a Sabra Hummus Single. Add juicy cherry tomatoes, a few Kalamata olives (if your child enjoys them), and crumbles of feta cheese for a flavorful, healthy twist.
• Breakfast for Lunch: Surprise your kids with mini pancakes or waffles, a small container of yogurt, and a handful of fresh berries. A fun and unexpected treat that’s still nutritious!
• Hot Dog Delight: Sliced hot dogs or cocktail sausages can be served with whole-wheat buns or bread cut into squares, along with a small container of ketchup or mustard for dipping.
• Sweet & Savory Mix: A combination of pretzels, cheese cubes, a few chocolate-covered raisins, and crisp apple slices with a side of nut butter (ensure it’s school-approved or check for allergies).
• Chicken & Waffle Bites: Cut cooked chicken nuggets or grilled chicken into small pieces and serve with mini waffle crisps and a tiny bit of maple syrup for dipping.
• Veggie Garden Box: Focus on an array of colorful vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, and bell pepper sticks, all served with a generous Sabra Hummus Single.

When curating your DIY lunchable combinations, always aim for a healthy balance to ensure your child receives all the necessary nutrients for sustained energy and focus throughout their busy school day. A good rule of thumb is to fill your muffin cups or compartments with:

• 1 Starch/Grain: Crackers, pita bread, mini pretzels, or whole-wheat bread provide essential carbohydrates for energy.
• 2-3 Protein Items: Ham, turkey, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or a generous serving of Sabra Hummus. Protein is vital for growth and helps maintain fullness.
• 2-3 Fruits and/or Veggies: A colorful assortment to provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, crucial for overall health.
• 1 Healthy Dip: A Sabra Hummus Single is ideal, offering not only delicious flavor but also additional protein and fiber, encouraging kids to eat their veggies.

This balanced approach not only makes lunch appealing and prevents boredom but also ensures a well-rounded meal that actively supports your child’s physical growth and cognitive learning capabilities.

Beyond the Lunchbox: The Benefits of DIY Lunches

Embracing the DIY lunchable philosophy extends far beyond simply packing a meal; it’s an investment in your child’s well-being and development. This approach fosters a sense of independence and responsibility, as kids become active participants in their food choices. When children help select and assemble their lunches, they are significantly more likely to eat what’s provided, reducing food waste and increasing their enjoyment of healthy foods. It also offers a fantastic opportunity to teach them about balanced nutrition in a practical, hands-on way, laying the groundwork for healthy eating habits in the future.

Furthermore, meal prepping these customized lunches can be a significant time-saver during busy school mornings. By dedicating a short amount of time on the weekend or the evening before, you can have several days’ worth of components ready to go, making daily assembly a breeze. This strategy not only ensures that your kids have delicious and nutritious meals but also frees up precious time for other morning routines, reducing stress for both parents and children. It’s a smart, sustainable, and enjoyable way to manage school lunches and keep everyone happy and well-fed.

Don’t Miss Out: Enter the Walmart Back to School Sweepstakes!

To make the back-to-school season even more exciting, be sure to enter the incredible Back to School Sweepstakes from Walmart! This is a fantastic opportunity to win some amazing prizes that can help ease the financial burden of school expenses and make this academic year a little brighter.

Ready to Enter? Click here to participate!

Pin for Later!