Few things get easier when your kids become teens, but feeding them should be one thing that does. I mean, they eat anything, don’t they? Apparently not. Once kids start to inch closer to the teenage years, they start turning up their noses at things like PB&J and animal-shaped crackers.
All of a sudden, all your old lunch standbys are out the window, and you have to start from scratch. What can you feed this older, mysterious child of yours? What will they be unafraid to open up in front of their friends yet still find tasty? Worry not, my friend. These ideas should get you started.
Homemade soft pretzels
Soft pretzels are filling, fun and delicious. Serve them with cheese, fruits and veggies to cover all the bases.
Taco salad
Taco salad is easier to eat (and pack) than a taco is, but it’s just as tasty. And the Dole® Fruitocracy® will go over way better than a pudding cup will.
Croissant sandwich
Ditch the bread, and use croissants instead for a more grown-up version of their favorite sandwiches.
Gyro
Gyros are a total step up from a PB&J and can be an easy way to hide veggies.
Flatbread sandwich
Use flatbread to elevate their sandwiches just a bit, but add fun ingredients you know they’ll love — like chicken meatballs.
Quinoa bowl
Quinoa is full of protein kids need to get through the day. It tastes great cold, but you can send it in an insulated bowl for a real treat.
Stackable sandwiches
Let them create their own sandwiches this time. Include veggies and a handful of chocolate chips to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Pasta salad
Both pasta and fruit salads can be made in advance for an appetizing lunch you can pack in a hurry.
Sushi
Upgrade frozen fish sticks to sushi instead. Add in a pair of chopsticks to make it fun, and add cantaloupe and snap peas to make it more nutritious.
Chicken salad
Make an extra chicken breast for dinner, and pack it in a salad for an easy — and very grown-up — lunch the next day.
Bagel
Bagels are easy to make and won’t get mushy. And that hard-boiled egg packs a punch of protein to get him through a busy day at school.
Tween lunches
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