Lunch Ideas for Busy Teachers
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Are you like me and dread packing lunches? Whether you are packing a lunch for yourself or your entire family, it is something I do not look forward to. I think it’s a combination of packing the same thing over and over so it got boring, or I wouldn’t pack enough food, so come lunch time I would find the vending machine, or cafeteria food as a last resort. After finding creative ways to add variety, I have finally found a system that has made packing lunches more enjoyable and less time consuming. I am here to share those healthy lunch ideas with you, so you can avoid the, “ugh, I don’t know what to pack for lunch.”
I will give you some quick and healthy lunch ideas and meal prep tips that are perfect for busy teachers, such as:
Mason Jar Salads
Wraps and Sandwiches
Leftover Magic
Meal Prep Bowls
Instant Soups
Mason Jar Salads
The flavor combos are endless!
Mason jar salads are a fantastic option for a quick and healthy lunch. You can prepare multiple in advance and store them in the fridge for up to five days. I LOVE these mason jar containers. They are leak proof, and everything stays fresh and crisp, and I like the wide mouth opening because it is easier to fill the jar.
This is how to build a mason jar salad:
Salad dressing on the bottom
Add protein
Next add the greens
Followed by nutrient boost such as sprouts, avocado, dried fruit, cucumber, broccoli, etc.
Lastly, add some crunch like nuts or seeds (tip: if you want croutons, put them in a baggie until you are ready to eat so they don’t get soggy)
Some of my favorite mason jar salad combos are:
balsamic vinaigrette, chicken, spring mix, blue cheese, and walnuts
salsa, chicken, lettuce, corn, rice, black beans, avocado, and cilantro
poppy seed dressing, quinoa, swiss cheese, pear, crasins, cashews
Ranch dressing with BBQ sauce, chicken, black beans, corn, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, crushed tortilla chips and lettuce
Teriyaki sauce, chicken (or tofu), edamame, carrots, quinoa, cabbage
Wraps and Sandwiches
Can’t go wrong with a classic sandwich or wrap!
I like eating wraps for lunch just so I can use this container! I think it is the coolest, most clever, zero waste container. It is dishwasher safe, and BPA, PVC, and phthalate free too! One of my favorite things about wraps is you can throw anything into a tortilla and with a good sauce you are good to go! I make my wraps with the same combos as the mason jar salads above. I also make one for a snack with peanut butter and bananas (don’t knock it until you try it)!
Leftover Magic
Don’t underestimate the time saving powers of eating leftovers for lunch. I will always make extras for dinner and pack it for lunch the next day when I know I won’t feel like putting much effort into making lunches. Some of my favorite leftovers are:
Enchiladas
Chili and cornbread, then bring a side salad
Hamburgers (I make an extra patty, assemble the bun and toppings separately, then heat up the patty)
Any type of casserole
Burrito bowls
Spaghetti
Meal Prep Bowls
I love meal prep bowls because you can batch cook and prepare for the entire week!
My favorite thing about meal prep bowls is the ability to prep them for the entire week and the endless options and combinations. When it comes to meal prep bowls I am basic and batch cook a protein, a carb like rice or potatoes, and then a veggie. Also, don’t forget to add a fat like olive oil or avocado. The simplest combination I make is a burrito bowl style with rice, chicken (or ground turkey), black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado. I love using these containers because they are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. For the meals I eat at the end of the week I will freeze, then defrost them mid week. Making the meal prep bowls is what I go to most often because I only prep once for the week!
Instant Soups
I am saving the best for last! During the cold months I love soup, but I dislike transporting it in a lunch box because it always leaks. What I do love is this Mini electric Crock-Pot! It is leak proof, dishwasher safe, and the perfect size for soup or chili. In the morning I put chili or soup in it, then plug it in when I get to work and it's nice and hot by lunch time. I don’t like eating in the Teacher’s Lounge, so no need to walk down to the microwave!
Soup and salad is the best lunch during the winter months!
What About Snacks?
I am a grazer throughout the day and because of my weightlifting background I love healthy snacks. Below are some quick and easy snacks I like to pack:
Greek yogurt with sunflower seeds, cranberries, and chocolate chips
Chocolate rice cake (if you haven’t had these you must find them at your grocery store asap) with peanut butter and banana
Overnight oats in a jar - the combinations are endless!
Cottage cheese and berries
Trail mix
Hummus with sliced veggies (carrots, bell pepper, celery)
Greek yogurt with berries
Apple slices with peanut butter
Half a bagel with cream cheese and salami (this is another thing where you don’t knock it until you try it)
String cheese and veggies
Beef jerky and veggies
Turkey roll ups with cheese
Since I pack a lot of food for the day (with coaching I’m sometimes at the school for 12 hours) I can’t go anywhere without this lunch box! It holds a couple meals and snacks and comes in a variety of colors. It even has a spot for a thermos on the side!
I hope you find these lunch ideas and snacks helpful. If you want more time saving tips for in and out of the classroom sign up for our weekly newsletter!
