7 Quick and Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids

 

Explore quick and healthy lunch ideas for kids with Fitlife Foods Meal Delivery

We’ve been told over and over that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But what about the benefits of a healthy lunch? While breakfast helps you get going in the morning, lunch is vital to preserving your stamina throughout the day. It maintains your blood sugar levels just when your energy begins to lag, and it keeps your metabolism revved up so you continue to burn calories. Lunch might be even more important for your school-aged kids who don’t have access to snacks during the day — a nutritious midday meal is essential for recharging your kids and keeping them fueled until they come home.   

Still, making healthy meals that your kids love while you’re on the go is no easy task. Between a busy home life, demanding job, and lots of extracurricular activities, it can be hard to find time to prepare healthy and flavorful food for the middle of the day. At Fitlife, we make feeding your family easy by offering nutritional, affordable, and satisfying pre-prepared meals for everyone. 

Let’s take a look at seven kid-friendly meals that are perfect for lunchtime, plus a bonus after-school snack for kids (and grown-ups!) who have a sweet tooth. Our recipes are based on tried-and-true classics that we redesigned to be healthy and nutrient-dense. From meatloaf to mac and cheese, our dishes will change the way you and your kids think about “health food.” With your choice of delivery or pick-up, we simplify meal prep so you can focus on what’s important — enjoying time with your family. 

Gluten-Free Meals for Kids

A big challenge of making family meals these days is dietary restrictions. We know that the kids and adults in your family might have vastly different nutritional needs. Our menu features a wide variety of options for dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, soy- and peanut-free, and plant-based recipes. Here, we’re spotlighting our gluten-free and plant-based options, but you’ll find many more great selections that fit your diet and lifestyle on our website. Just click on the “Menu” tab, and choose the “Dietary” filter. With our pre-prepared, meal-sized portions, you can mix and match your choices so that every individual in your family gets their needs met. 

Many people these days are learning more about how reducing gluten can help them lead a healthier lifestyle. Still, no one wants to miss out on the foods they love, and this is especially true for young and picky eaters. Whether you have gluten-sensitive kids, or are simply looking to reduce gluten in your household’s diet, our protein-packed, gluten-free meals will give your kids the energy they need to play, learn, and grow. And with these delicious options, no one will have to worry about missing out on their favorite foods. 

Looking for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf that will satisfy even the fussiest eaters? Our Mama’s Turkey Meatloaf is the solution. Our seasoned meatloaf is mixed with garlic and caramelized onions, and then topped with a delicious barbeque sauce that will take you back to your favorite family recipes. We serve ours with fresh green beans and cauliflower mash so that your little ones can learn to love veggies, too. With three size options — small, medium, and large — you can find the right portions for yourself and your growing kids.  

Small: 

Calories: 310 

Carbohydrates: 26g (Net: 22g)  

Protein: 32g Fat: 9g 

Medium: 

Calories: 450 

Carbohydrates: 37g (Net: 31g)  

Protein: 47g 

Fat: 13g 

Large: 

Calories: 600 

Carbohydrates: 51g (Net: 43g)  

Protein: 63g  Fat: 18g

It’s no secret that kids love burgers, but let’s face it: We all know that a slab of fatty beef on a white-flour bun with toppings like cheese and mayonnaise isn’t exactly healthy. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Nor is the traditional burger necessarily the tastiest. With the right substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious and nutrient-packed burger that we think you’ll love even more than your favorite fast-food options. We’ve made burgers healthy and appetizing by blending grass-fed bison meat with roasted cremini mushrooms to bring out the umami flavor. We serve it with a side of sweet potato fries and fresh roasted cauliflower so you can fit in those healthy carbohydrates. And the best part is that it’s gluten-free!  

One Size 

Calories: 410 

Carbohydrates: 34g (Net: 28g) 

Protein: 27g Fat: 18g     

Sloppy Joes have everything kids love — including the opportunity to make a mess! Our version of this time-honored treat offers a fantastic alternative to a traditionally high-carb and high-fat recipe. Made with lean, grass-fed ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and honey, and served with a side of savory sweet potato tots, this dish has something for everyone in your family. Your kids will love the taste of our Paleo Sloppy Joe, and you’ll love the nutritional benefits.  

Small: 

Calories: 320

Carbohydrates: 30g (Net: 28g)  

Protein: 17g 

Fat: 14g 

Medium: 

Calories: 440

Carbohydrates: 42g (Net: 39g)  

Protein: 23g 

Fat: 19g  

Large: 

Calories: 650

Carbohydrates: 59g (Net: 54g)  

Protein: 37g  

Fat: 29g

Pairing jerk-spiced grilled chicken with creamy gouda mac and cheese, this kid-friendly combo is sure to be a hit with your family. Flavorful but not too spicy, our jerk chicken is definitely a great option for young taste buds. Our mango barbeque dipping sauce transforms this meal with the perfect balance of savory and sweet. We prepare our mac and cheese with gluten-free elbow pasta, and serve everything with a side of fresh-steamed green beans.  

Small: 

Calories: 350 

Carbohydrates: 26g (Net: 25g)  

Protein: 25g Fat: 15g 

Medium: 

Calories: 450 

Carbohydrates: 33g (Net: 31g)  

Protein: 33g Fat: 20g 

Large: 

Calories: 600 

Carbohydrates: 40g (Net: 37g)  

Protein: 47g  Fat: 27g

Healthy Meatless Meals for Picky Eaters

Do you have family members who shy away from meat? Or are you simply trying to introduce your kids to more meatless options? With these protein-packed meals, everyone can enjoy nutrient-rich, plant-based options without feeling like they’re missing out on meat. Here are three classic, kid-friendly dishes that we’ve transformed by making them healthier and plant-based. They’re not only tasty, but also filled with nutrients to keep your kids energized. If you want more recipes like these, make sure to visit our menu and click on the “Plant-Based” option in our “Dietary” filter to find a variety of satisfying vegetarian meals. 

Creamy, wholesome, and filling, mac and cheese is a time-honored favorite for kids and parents alike. By swapping out excess dairy with butternut squash, we made this much-loved dish into a delicious and energizing option that won’t hold your kids back when they’re out and about. This high-protein recipe is also great if you're looking for a plant-based meal that’s soy-free.  

One Size 

Calories: 300  

Carbohydrates: 38g (Net: 38g)  

Protein: 13g  Fat: 11g

There’s a reason spaghetti and meatballs are beloved by kids and parents alike! It’s filling, flavorsome, and offers the perfect pairing of protein and carbohydrates. Our Beyond Beef® Meatballs will not just satisfy your cravings while filling you with protein and fiber — they’re also so delicious, you won’t miss the meat at all! We dare you to swap out your standard spaghetti and meatball recipe, and find out if your kids even notice the difference. And at only 380 calories, you won’t feel guilty about enjoying one of our healthy snack or dessert options later.  

One size 

Calories: 380  

Carbohydrates: 40g (Net: 35g)  

Protein: 22g  

Fat: 16g

Much like our spaghetti and meatballs, we turned this traditionally meat-heavy dish into a delicious plant-based option. If your kids love rice and Asian-inspired dishes, this meal is sure to please. Based on a Vietnamese classic, our meatless lemongrass “meatballs” served on a bed of tumeric rice pilaf will make your mouth water. They’re also topped with a classic kid-friendly vegetable, shredded carrots, and include a side of sriracha mayo for those who like a little spice.  

One Size

Calories: 370 

Carbohydrates: 39g (Net: 30g) 

Protein: 17g 

Fat: 16g

Bonus: After-School Snack

After a long day at school, most kids look forward to a little something to munch on. Why not surprise them by swapping out your standard snacks with these amazing Cookie Dough Balls? These egg-free, gluten-free, and plant-based treats are a great way to satisfy kids who are always sneaking into the cookie jar, while providing them with a lot more nutritional density than most sweets.

Kids (and adults) love cookie dough, but no parent loves the health risks that come with consuming raw dough or eggs. Even if you skip the eggs, traditional cookie dough recipes don’t offer many nutritional benefits. At only 130 calories, our Cookie Dough Balls are a lean option that also contain essential amino acids and magnesium. Made with dates, gluten-free oats, and chocolate chips, they’ll hit that sweet spot without busting through your calorie limit.  

1 serving = 3 balls:  

Calories: 130  

Carbohydrates: 19g (Net: 17g)  

Protein: 3g  

Fat: 6g

Contact Fitlife Foods today to learn more about how we can help you save time while still serving healthy, delicious meals for the entire family.