Children’s lunches, whether at school or home, should be hearty, filling, and protein-rich. Protein is essential for bone and joint health, energy, etc. Coming up with something new daily is no easy task, especially if your child is a picky eater. Nevertheless, we have some protein-rich lunch ideas for your kids, which they will love to eat anytime, anywhere because they are delicious and have their favorite fillings.
Turkey Veggie Wrap
This turkey veggie wrap is convenient, customizable, and easy to make. It is also loaded with high-fiber vegetables. However, if your children are not fans of turkey, swap it with tofu, chicken, or scrambled eggs for a protein-rich lunch. These wraps will provide your kids with enough nutrition to keep them going. However, pick low-carb or whole-wheat wraps for further health benefits.
Meatballs
Give your children meatballs (minus the gravy for lunch boxes) to help them fulfill their daily protein requirement. You can make the meatball with either turkey or beef and serve it alongside whole wheat bread slices, veggies, and some sauce or dips. You can pre-make the meatballs and bake or fry them as and when needed.
Waffles and Yogurt
Who does not love waffles and yogurt? They are one of the simplest yet protein-rich lunch ideas for kids. However, make sure to give them homemade whole wheat waffle batter with limited sugar or sugar alternatives since store-bought ones are loaded with preservatives, artificial colors, etc.
Similarly, try giving them homemade curd over packed curds, as they, too, are loaded with sugar and other not-so-healthy ingredients. These food items are great for children of every age group. You can also pair them with eggs and berries for a hearty meal.
Chicken Fajita Bowl
This protein-rich bowl will keep your kids full for long. For a nutrient-rich meal, you can easily make it with brown rice, chicken, and veggies. Be sure to use veggies of your child’s choice and top it off with cilantro, avocado, or salsa. You can also use white rice instead of brown rice if that’s what your little ones prefer. However, make sure to pack it up with vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower to get maximum health benefits.
Chicken Nuggets
Kids will never say no to chicken nuggets. Just give them the nuggets with ketchup or a dip, and they will finish this protein-rich dish in minutes. However, bake or air fry the nuggets instead of deep frying them in oil for a healthier option. Also, don’t forget to give some fiber-rich veggies or fruits alongside for a complete meal.
Other protein-rich lunch ideas include overnight oats, whole-grain pasta, tortillas, trail mix, stuffed bell peppers, chicken salad, etc. Make different meals to keep them interesting so your children will eat their food without fussing.
Although protein is essential for growing kids, do not give it in excess amounts as it can lead to other health problems. Hence, it is always better to consult a doctor to understand the protein requirement for your child (as protein requirement varies by age and other factors) to plan their meal accordingly.
