Given the current state, heating up lunches at my kids' schools is not an option. My kids are not only designated to certain floors, bathrooms and stairwells this year, they no longer have access to a microwave. Unfortunately for me, I've always relied on frozen meals (A LOT more than I'd like to admit) and other lunch ideas for teens that require reheating. And for some weird reason, my kids refuse to use a thermos these days- I guess it's no longer "cool."
S**t just got real!
So... I find myself scrambling to ensure we have lots of ideas for cold lunches and trying to decide what to make for lunches that they'll like, that are healthy, I can eat myself, don't require reheating and won't take a ton of time ! If you find yourself in the same boat, you'll love these ready to eat school lunch ideas for teens.
When I look back at what I ate for lunch as a teenager, that's when I get concerned. Let's just say I ate more fries and gravy at the cafeteria than any person should have. However, the school cafeterias and canteens probably won't be open this year, so at least I get a bit of a reprieve on that. And fortunately, all the years we nagged our kids (aka tried to instill healthy eating habits in them) seem to be paying off. My teenagers are both pretty health conscious now and like the idea of eating healthier versions of the junkier foods they love! So without further adieu...here are a collection of delicious school lunch ideas!
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Not only will teens love these healthy school lunch ideas, so will parents!
Bernice Hill
Haha, mind if I make some of these delicious recipes for myself? I mean, I act like a teenager sometimes...
It is SO HARD to get those teenagers to bring food to school, or wear a jacket in the winter, or do homework....
Terri Gilson
Of course hahah- I eat them all too! Oh and those teenagers definitely do push all those buttons, Bernice!
Vanessa
So many great ideas! It's always a challenge to keep things interesting.
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Vanessa! Yes, we're trying to switch it up so they don't get bored.
Kristen
Ooooh nevermind for teenagers, I’m taking some of these great ideas for my toddler - muffin tin sushi cups, omg she’s going to LOVE them!
Sharon
I don't have any teens at home but these lunch ideas look great for all ages. 😊 Especially that cute mandarin bento box.
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
Such great recipes, here! We don't have any teens at home, but I would make some lunch for myself or for Loreto to bring to work! 🙂
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady
Thank you so much for some new ideas. My two, 1 preteen and one teenager, are distance learning and driving me crazy saying there's nothing good to eat in the house. Hopefully they'll appreciate some of these new lunch ideas!