EASY AND HEALTHY LUNCH IDEAS!

Making lunches every day can quickly turn into a burden. A little inspiration is needed to create a diversified, balanced menu that kids will love!

Here are recipe ideas and tips for a delicious, healthy lunchbox.

Follow Canada’s food guide!

The easiest way to ensure the content of your child’s lunchbox meets all their nutritional needs? Follow Canada’s food guide! Several important changes have been made to the latest edition of the Guide, which also includes key information for eating healthy every day.

According to the Guide, fruits and vegetables should fill half of your plate. Whether it’s fruit salad, apple slices, carrot sticks, or sliced bell peppers, abundance and colour are key!

A filling lunch also needs protein. Still according to the Guide, a quarter of the lunchbox should be dedicated to protein. Think chicken breasts, smoked salmon, cold cuts . . . the possibilities are endless! If you want to consume less meat and add a little variety to your menu, there are several delicious options to choose from, such as a grilled tempeh bowl, bean salad, hard-boiled eggs, or tofu spread.

Finally, the last quarter of your meal should consist of whole grain foods, such as bread, pasta, and rice, or even quinoa, crackers, or couscous. With this well-balanced meal, you can be sure your child will have enough energy to last through the day!

A new take on a cold lunch classic

You can bid your ham-and-mustard sandwich farewell! Get inspired by our original lunch ideas and keep your kids on their toes. The golden rule of new-sandwich art: get creative.

We have a fun new take on the classic sandwich lunch with our chicken and apple salad sandwich recipe. This kid-approved recipe can even be made in advance! And if you’re missing an ingredient, no worries! You can easily swap it with something else you have on hand. Easy peasy!

Really want to impress your kids? Check out our quick-lunch idea: the sushi sandwich! It’s super easy to make, and you can use whatever you have on hand! Simply flatten your bread with a rolling pin and top it with the ingredients of your choice. Next, roll up your concoction and slice it into wheels. What a spectacular feast!

Younger children will love these fun surprise sandwiches, shaped using cookie-cutters. Fill them with an egg and ricotta salad or any other ingredients of your choice.

Get your kids involved in the lunch-making process! Fun guaranteed!

5 TIPS TO SAVE TIME IN THE KITCHEN

MAXIMIZE YOUR DINNERS

When making dinner, cut extra veggies for snacks, and cook more of the protein included in your meal—you can use the leftovers in a salad or sandwich. Simply store them in reusable containers for lunch the next day.

CHAIN LUNCHES

Talk about efficiency! This technique allows you to prepare several lunches in record time! Set aside some time on the weekend to cut veggies or cook what you need for the week’s lunches. You’ll just have to assemble everything in the morning! You’ll have all your lunches prepped for the week, or even longer if you freeze some food.

THE FREE IGA APP

The perfect tool for updating your grocery list. Simply check off the items you need as you go. This way, you can avoid buying things twice or forgetting to buy a key ingredient for your next culinary creation!

2-IN-1 RECIPES

Use your leftovers from the night before to create a brand-new dish the next day! For example, you can use your leftover chicken breasts in paninis for lunch. You can also save your leftover pasta and turn it into a salad. You’ll save both time and money, and your family will think you created an entirely new meal every time!

For a ton of recipe ideas, read our article: 4 proteins to add to your weekly menu.

A LUNCH SECTION IN THE FRIDGE

Dedicate a corner of your fridge and pantry to items used exclusively for lunches. On busy mornings, find everything you need in the blink of an eye!

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Check out advice from Geneviève O’Gleman, given as part of our latest Posez-vous nos questions session!

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TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESSFUL LUNCHES – WITH GENEVIÈVE O'GLEMAN (in French only)

MISSION ZERO-WASTE LUNCH

Here are a few must-haves for an eco-friendly lunchbox with minimal to no waste.

Reusable bags

How can you eliminate disposable plastic sandwich bags from lunchboxes? With a proper inventory of reusable hard plastic or glass containers, or silicon or washable fabric bags. They’re perfect for sandwiches and snacks!

Thermal containers, like a Thermos

Thermos-type containers are also great at preventing waste. Use them for soups and any other liquids (no more messes since they’re leak-proof). You can also use them for leftovers, after heating the food up in the morning before leaving the house.

Reusable utensils

Plastic utensils may be practical, but they are far from ecological! Swap them for reusable utensils (there are several models available, adapted for use in school or at the office), or simply use whatever you have at home.

Cloth napkins

To avoid using paper towels, we suggest providing your child with a cloth napkin instead. They look nicer and are more resistant. Plus, they contribute to a healthy planet!