The midday slump happens to the best of us. A hearty and healthful lunch can help you and your kids refuel to power through the rest of the day ahead. Our friends at Cooking Light have put together a collection of healthful lunches that are sure to be a hit with you and your family! From after school activities to after work meetings, these nutritious and filling lunches will keep you and your kids going until dinnertime.

Waffle Turkey-and-Cheese Sami

Your kids will love this fun cross between breakfast and lunch! This sandwich combines whole-wheat waffles, low-sodium turkey, and a maple-mustard-mayonnaise spread for a yummy salty-sweet combination. Serve this twist on a classic turkey sandwich with some cut up fruit and carrot sticks for a complete and balanced lunch!

Click here for the recipe!

Grilled Veggie and Hummus Wraps

Make the most of summer’s last vegetable harvest with this grilled veggie wrap! Super simple to assemble and filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and tons of flavor, these nutrient-packed wraps will give you that midday day boost to keep you fueled and full for the rest of the day.

Click here for the recipe!

Parmesan-Panko Chicken Tenders

What kid (or kid at heart) doesn’t love chicken fingers? This healthful upgrade on a fast food favorite uses crunchy panko breadcrumbs to give the tenders that crispy texture without the need of deep frying! Pack these in your kid’s lunchbox with cut up veggies and a yummy dipping sauce for a meal that will be a huge hit at any lunch table.

Click here for the recipe!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Make sure your kids are set for school lunches with these healthful lunch ideas from our friends at Cooking Light. These recipes are inexpensive, can be made ahead and will fill your kids tummies with good for your nutrients and not sugar!

Spelt Salad with White Beans and Artichokes

This vegetarian salad is a lunchbox dream: You can make it ahead, it’s packed with filling protein and fiber, and it’s loaded with flavorful ingredients. And as an added bonus, it tastes nice chilled or at room temperature. Include a cluster of red grapes and crusty Italian bread in your bag, and you’re ready to go.

Click here for the recipe!

Nutrition Tip: Spelt (also called farro) is a high-protein grain with a mellow nutty flavor. It is rich in B vitamins for an energy boost as well as a good source of fiber. (Bulgur, quinoa, or whole wheat couscous are good substitutes if you do not have spelt for this dish.)

Chipotle Pork and Avocado Wraps

Here, the trick is starting with Simply Roasted Pork and using the leftovers for a spicy wrap. For a bit more spice, add another teaspoon of chipotle chiles to the avocado spread.

Click here for the recipe!

Nutrition Tip: Practice portion control with sides. This wrap only has 239 calories, so you can afford to pair it with some baked tortilla chips. Warning: It’s easy to overeat if you munch straight from the bag. Portion servings into zip-top plastic bags so you won’t go overboard with sides and snacks. Most baked tortillas chips are around 120 calories per 1-ounce serving.  Pair with an apple or mango slices for a complete meal.

Roasted Red Pepper Spread Sandwiches

If you like pimiento cheese, you’ll enjoy this recipe. Keep the sandwiches well chilled so that the cream cheese spread will remain firm. Sturdy, whole-grain bread works best.

Click here for the recipe!

Nutrition Tip: Remember to eat regularly throughout the day, never going more than 4 to 5 hours without eating. Waiting too long between meals can turn normal hunger pangs into an out-of-control craving. It’s hard to make a good choice when you’re starving. Keep healthful options—almonds, string cheese, fat-free milk, and sandwiches like this veggie-cheese delight—on hand to keep hunger in check.

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner.  Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children.  She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Our friends at Cooking Light are searching for the healthiest, tastiest lunch—for school or office—in the country. Share your original healthy lunch photo and description for the chance to appear on CookingLight.com and in the pages of Cooking Light. The top 10 finalists will win $100 and a Cooking Light cookbook.

ENTER NOW – IT’S EASY!

1. Upload your photo in one of two eligible categories: Lunchbox for Kids – OR – Office Brown-Bag Lunch.

• Be sure your lunch follows the ChooseMyPlate.gov guidelines—balanced with half the meal made up of fruit and veggies, whole grains when possible, and lean protein.
• Lunches cannot require cooking once packed, but they can be reheated in the microwave.

2. Include a brief description of what makes your lunch so delicious and nutritious.

Nominations are open April 10-May 24. Finalists will be announced the following week and voting will open at that time. Check back for more details!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner.  Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children.  She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.