Back-to-school and workday lunch ideas with FREE printable lunch notes that will make both children and adults happy.

Stuck in a rut? Are you tired of the same ole’ sandwich for lunch? Would you like to save money and stop eating out every day? Is eating healthy a priority for you? Then here are some great ideas to shake up your lunchtime routine that are satisfying and exciting!

Whether you have school aged children or are empty nesters, learn how to take bagged lunches from boring to soaring!

The first step in making lunches that you look forward to, is preparation. Now I know, you don’t have much time or energy in your busy life to spend on planning a mid-day meal. That is what I will do for you, just because you are all so important to me!

Grab your FREE PRINTABLE LUNCH NOTES to make every packed meal extra-special!

I am an Amazon affiliate and may make a small commission on any purchases you make through my recommendations at no extra cost to you. The hottest craze in to-go lunches right now are Bento Boxes. Bento is a single-portion of a home-packed meal that originated from Japanese cuisine. Traditionally, this lunch style included rice or noodles, fish and a pickled veggie. This healthy lunch was packed into a box with separate compartments.

Bento Box lunches in our modern, western world have evolved to include many different food choices. However, the main goal of this style of menu offerings still remains the same. Wholesome, tasty and eye-appealing lunches are must haves for this mid-day meal.

Reusable or disposable Bento Boxes are easy to find on Amazon and makes lunchtime a snap! Just be sure to include a nutritious protein, grain, veggie/fruit and a little something for your sweet tooth. Ultimately, this lunch will provide you with energy to finish your day off with a bang! No more afternoon slump!

Don’t forget your FREE PRINTABLE LUNCH NOTES!

 

Here are 5 days of lunch ideas to mix and match. Keep your mind open to substituting items such as chicken for turkey or tuna. Small changes can keep lunches interesting and similarly, will make planning easy too.

** Tip – Buy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Cut all meat off the bones and put in a freezer-safe bag. Take out small amounts as needed.

Day 1 Back-to-school and Workday Lunch Ideas

• Lunch Box Chicken Wrap – A taste of the Mediterranean! Hummus and chicken and spinach, OH MY! Healthy and tasty! Carrots will grab the taste buds of any little one and provide that extra crunch of satisfaction for any adult!
• Add a little mixed cucumber and grape tomato salad topped with light Greek Dressing.
• A few cocoa covered almonds with provide sweetness and long-lasting energy.

**Tip – Purchase silicone baking cups to keep small portions of dressing/dips separate from your other foods and add some additional color to your meal.

Day 2

• Shrimp Lemon Orzo with Tomatoes – This salad is great served chilled! The creaminess of the feta and orzo combined with the freshness of the shrimp will make you feel like you are in paradise and not on break!
• Edamame with light Ranch Dressing will give you a snap in your step.
• Fresh strawberries drizzled with Balsamic will leave you with a smile on your face!

** Tip – Prep most of your meals on the weekend and either freeze or refrigerate until needed.

Day 3

• Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps – Who said PB is just for kiddos? The addition of honey takes this spin on the traditional sandwich to a whole new level!
• A side of Veggie Straws will give that saltiness needed to go with the sweetness of the wrap.
• Finish off this fun lunch with some fresh apples.

**Tip – Prepare wraps the morning to avoid any sogginess.

Day 4 Back-to-School and Workday Lunch Ideas

• Meatless Monday Salad (or any other day) – Combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, green and black olives with brown rice. Gently toss in extra virgin olive oil and add some fresh parsley, salt and pepper. This meal will make you feel refreshed even after a hard morning!
• Pair it with a side of sliced avocado drizzled with lime and salt and pepper.
• Since the main part of this meal is so healthy, go all out on your little dessert! Have a handful of honey roasted cashews!

**Tip – Buy cashews in individually wrapped packages for easy use. 

Day 5

• Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon – This pleasing recipe is usually served as an appetizer but will most certainly be a welcomed lunch entrée.
• Whip up a side of Quick Italian Pasta Salad for crave-worthy carbs.
• Add some mixed berries for dessert and this lunch will take you to Italy in 30 minutes!

**Tip – A good cantaloupe feels heavy and the rind should be raised. It should smell sweet and fresh. 

Keep your Back-To-School and Workday lunch ideas new and appealing and you won’t mind going to school or work! Well at least it will give you something to look forward to half-way through your day!

Don’t just prepare great lunches for your family, make sure you take time to make them for yourself too! You are special and deserve a wonderful meal! Plus, it will give you energy and make you feel like you can conquer the world!

Need help with planning dinners? Grab this free Menu Planning Bundle. Short on ideas for dinners? Check out this recent post.

This article is part of a Back-to-School Blog Hop! Check out these other great ideas from these spectacular bloggers:

Make sure you visit each of these blogs and make your transition into the new school year a breeze! Oh, and there are lots of freebies for you to enjoy too! Don’t miss out on all of this great information and goodies too!

Carrie Cooley and Nina Halbert from Forget Him Knot – https://www.forgethimknot.com/52-back-to-school-bible-verses-printable/

Traci Weinhart  from The Frugal Work at Home Mom – https://frugalwahmom.com/save-money-on-back-to-school-shopping/

Beth Moore from Moore Wellness – https://moorewellness.life/back-to-school-ideas-how-to-destress/

Jill Bowler from Adventures in Nana Land – https://adventuresinnanaland.com/when-grandkids-go-back-to-school/

Michelle Lach  from Autism Mom Life – https://autismmomlife.com/preparing-your-special-needs…/

Kelly Davis from Homesteadin Crazy – http://homesteadincrazy.com/back-to-school-snacks/

Tiff Weilbacher Spectrum Sense for Moms – https://www.spectrumsenseformoms.com/…/how-to-handle…/