Lunch is perhaps one of the most difficult meals to prepare, especially if you are out of the house during the day. So we've got some healthy ideas for easy lunch meals that you and your family will enjoy!
Lunch is important. Sometimes we pass it off as something we can go light on or do something quick but in reality if you are working all day, especially if it is a physical job, you really need a solid meal that will get you through the rest of the day.
Planning lunch meals (on top of breakfast and dinner) can feel exhausting. Especially if you have people out of the home and you are packing food that has to travel well and might not be able to be heated.
But even if there are people at home they need to eat too, so what do you prepare for this meal?

Easy Lunch Meals
Prep Ahead of Time
Think of all the things that you can do ahead of time.
Cut up fruit, veggies and any other foods that will last the week and put them into containers so they are ready to go.
Boil eggs, cook a protein and prepare rice, pasta or other food items that can be portioned out in your fridge.

Have a backup plan in mind or items you can toss into lunch bags if you need one more thing. Items like no-sugar added apple sauce, freeze dried snacks, yogurt or homemade items that are tucked away in the freezer.
More Healthy Ideas
Cooked chicken or turkey also goes great in soup, be it homemade or tossed into “cup of soup” at work.
Ground meats (ground beef, turkey, chicken) can also be made ahead and tossed into lunch containers for salad, tacos or wraps.
Homemade pizza is a healthy lunch option that can be eaten warm or cold. You can make your own dough or grab some premade crusts or dough from the grocery store or Generations Marketplace!

Beans will pack a punch too. Add beans to your protein to make it go farther in a recipe and diversify your food!
Check out these easy lunch recipes that can be eaten cold like Pinwheel Sandwiches, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, and Italian Sub Bean Salad
Breakfast for Lunch
Don’t underestimate the power of eggs, oatmeal and cottage cheese! What you don’t eat for breakfast can be made for lunch. Fried eggs on toast layered with cheese and spinach makes for an easy meal.

French toast or pancakes is also fun!
Make some bacon, sausage or serve greek yogurt to add that protein boost to it as well.
Kid Lunch Ideas
Bento boxes are great for kids because it portions out the food and gives them a variety of things to eat.
Pack snack-like foods to keep things easy (and interesting) for your kids. Crackers & cheese, bagel with cream cheese, veggies with hummus or purred cottage cheese. Even a piece of bread with honey or jam will pack some much needed carbs and protein into your little ones without the added sugars from processed foods.
Make healthy muffins or cookies to send instead of cereal bars or snack food. If your kids are stuck on products like Bear Paws, try making your own (this copycat recipe works well!)
Healthy Lunches Are Possible!
Planning healthy meals is possible. It takes some forethought and preparation but the payoff is worth it. Kids need good food in their bodies so their minds will work. You probably work better on a stomach full of healthy food too!
If you want more homemade options for your meals, come check us out at Generations Marketplace to get some homegrown products for your family!
Made a healthy homemade lunch this week? Use the hashtag #generationshomesteadchallenge and post it on social media to inspire others!
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