Teachers have a lot of things on their plate and juggling healthy eating into the mix can sometimes be challenging. As much as you want to eat a healthy, filling lunch, when you are dashing out the door a can of soda and a protein bar may be all you manage to throw in your bag. This school year, make a promise to yourself that you will start eating better lunches and taking control of your health. How do you do that? Try some of the tips and recipes below to get you started.
Lunches for Teachers
Preparation
Knowing what you are going to bring for lunch ahead of time is key to a good meal. Sit down on the day you do your weekly grocery shopping and plan out your lunches for the week. Be sure to include fruits and vegetables on the grocery list that you enjoy eating. The night before school, pack as much of your lunch as you can and put it in your cooler bag inside the refrigerator. Having everything ready to go will help you get out the door in the morning with little hassle.
Lunches
If you are making casseroles or soups for dinner during the week, make extra so that you can take some to school the next day. This is, by far, the easiest way to make sure you are eating a good lunch. Easy slow cooker and casserole recipes lend themselves to leftovers that can be delicious and nutritious.
Consider cooking a whole roaster chicken in your slow cooker on Sunday. You can use the chicken for sandwiches, soups and salads throughout the week. Chili and vegetable soup are also great recipes that carry over well for lunch the next day. Package the leftovers in single serving size bowls and put them in the refrigerator for lunches throughout the week.
Remember that lunch does not have to be a big sandwich or heavy meal. Cut up cheese and crackers, apple slices, a cup of yogurt, and a bottle of water is an excellent lunch that will keep you full and make your body happy. Healthy food will give you more energy throughout the afternoon than sugary soda and processed foods, so choose your lunches wisely.
You might also want to check out this list of teacher lunches from other teachers across the country for ideas!
Lunch Bags
While the brown bags hold a certain appeal, investing in an insulated cooler bag is a much better idea. Not only will it last throughout the year, but with a small ice pack inside it will also keep your refrigerated items cold until lunchtime. If your school’s teachers’ lounge does not have a refrigerator, a cooler bag is essential.
What are some of your favorite school lunch recipes and ideas?
Share with us! We’d love to know what your healthy lunch consists of on school days!
Cheryl s says
I always pack a salad that I make the night before! I also buy things like yogurt and make baggies of food the night before so that it is grab and go. I love my insulated lunch bag. I also like the idea of a slow cooker and bringing leftover dinner.
Sharon Podlin says
I’m the queen of leftovers! I always try to make extra the night before and bring it with me for lunch. If there aren’t any leftovers (I do have a teenage son who sometimes snarfs everything in sight!) I can always throw together a salad, fruit and yogurt.
Jill says
I bring my lunch once a week for the whole week. I buy a small raw veggie tray from the grocery, yogurt, cheese sticks and whole grain crackers. I store enough for a week in my mini-fridge. Then I bring water bottles and fruit daily. Easy, healthy, and quick!
Irene says
I make my salad the night before, get the yogurt and the other protien ready and pack the fruit in the bags. It is easy in the morning to pack. Everything is ready. It is great to prepare a bunch of veggies prior too. Mornings are so unpredictable… Better to be ready. Always pack an extra apple: afternoon meetings can drag on…
Penny Miller says
I do a lot of wraps, yogurt and fruit.
Candace says
I’m usually having a “working” lunch so I pack things like carrot sticks, cheese slices and cashews. This allows me to eat while returning emails, typing newsletters or any other things I can squeeze into my short lunch.
Kathleen Panchyshyn says
I do much the same as others do, but definitely make my lunch the night before, usually as I’m putting away leftovers or cleaning up after dinner.
Becky Myerly says
Thanks for the great tips! While in preparation for teaching, I found myself unprepared for the lunch break interruptions, with no time to heat my meal. I found useful food ideas on these pages; thanks for posting! I am looking forward to my first year of traditional classroom teaching, and taking care of myself in the process!
Julie M. says
Great suggestions! I made an effort last year to bring lunch instead of eating cafeteria food or going out. It will be harder this year because we all had to get rid of our mini-fridges!
Diane says
I used to work in a district that provided a VERY GOOD lunch to the staff daily. Now, I grab a healthy choice frozen something.