Back to school is in full swing and this week I am all about making your life easier as a parent when it comes to lunch boxes and after school snacks that are healthy and kid-approved!  I know it can get old packing the same old lunch boxes every single week and I know that your kids get tired of those same lunch boxes too!  I am hosting a back to school series over on my Instagram throughout the whole week to provide recipes, tips, and tricks on how to get your child to actually eat the good food that you pack them that will keep them nourished and energized throughout their day!  I have also rounded up 40 lunch box and after school snack ideas that are perfect for meal prepping, healthy, and they are kid-tested and approved!

These recipes are some of my favorite make ahead recipes that pack nutrition while being super delicious too!  Kids need proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains to keep their bellies full and their minds ready to learn throughout the school day!  Recipes like PB&J Muffins (which can be made with sunflower seed butter for nut free schools), mini pizza frittatas, chickpea salad, and lentil meatballs are just a few of our favorite lunch box additions and I can't wait for you to give a few of them a try too!

In addition to these favorites, my cookbook, Natural Baby and Toddler Treats is another fantastic resource for lunch boxes and healthy snacks!  I have also put together my tried and true Top 5 Formula for packing lunch boxes and you can get this exact formula delivered straight to your inbox for FREE!  All you have to do is sign up!  

My goal is that after this week, you will be inspired to try new recipes with your kids, and will feel like you are starting the school year off with a bang!  Give these recipes a try and make sure to follow along on Instagram as well or new ideas all week long!  

Lunch Box Mains:

• Mini Pizza Frittatas

• Curry Chickpea Salad

• 3-Ingredient Macaroni and Cheese

• Spinach and Turkey Pepperoni Roll-Ups

• Cheddar Broccoli Waffles

• Lentil Meatballs

• Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

• Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

• Kid-Friendly Blueberry Spinach Salad

• Gluten Free Broccoli Cheese Fritters

• Tomato Grilled Cheese

• Veggie Ramen Bowls

• Tomato Herb Egg Muffins

• Loaded Acai Bowls

• Chia Pudding-Three Ways

• Blueberry Vanilla Oatmeal

• Green Monster Mini Pizzas on English Muffins

Snacks and Lunch Box Extras:

• Coconut Macadamia Nut Muffins

• Mini Zucchini Muffins

• Healthy Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins

• Whole Wheat Cherry Almond Streusel Muffins

• Gluten Free Vanilla Spiced Pear Bread

• Whole Wheat Zucchini Tahini Bread

• Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls

• Gluten Free Cherry Coconut Energy Balls

• Gluten Free Cranberry Pistachio Protein Bars

• Chewy Granola Bars

• Pepita Granola

• Everything Bagel Hummus

• Double Blueberry Waffles

• Everyday Green Smoothie

• Peanut Butter Trail Mix Cookies (can be made with sunbutter)

• "Chocolate" Cacao Hummus

• Carrot Cake Donuts

• Leftover Cereal Bars

• Homemade Strawberry and Spinach Gummies

• Whole Wheat Strawberry Bread

• PB&J Oatmeal Muffins

• Cherry Vanilla and Granola Yogurt Pops

• Watermelon, Cucumber, and Mint Salad

These recipes can be adapted to your child or school's allergy restrictions, and you can mix and match them to create a fun and nutritious lunch box!  Pin this post so that you have a resource to utilize all school year long!