Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too bad tinned sardines are smelly. Otherwise a delicious source of protein and good fats, Omega Three, etc.

I love me some sardines on avocado toast. Yummy! I don't care how they smell.

Me too, I think that's a delicious lunch. But I don't bring it to the office and know that kids would not likely let that pass without comment.

Anonymous wrote:Regarding protein, most American kids are lacking in fiber, not protein. Look at the amount they get at the end of the week, not per every meal. I’m not saying they don’t need any protein at lunchtime but don’t stress yourself out trying to always get a protein heavy lunch in every day.

This is OP. My kids eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, so I do think they are good on fiber. I don’t even have a goal for protein heavy, just something, anything that has protein will do. They’d happily take buttered noodles and fruit for lunch. Maybe that is fine? But there day is so long with after school stuff.

Egg salad, hearty soups (with beans, chicken, meatballs), quinoa with veggies and tofu, nicoise salad with green beans/potatoes/tomatoes/tuna, stir fry vegetables with protein and rice

adding to other good suggestions: Bagel with cream cheese, rice and beans in a thermos

Mine does cheese and crackers on the regular. We sometimes add turkey pepperoni.

Regarding protein, most American kids are lacking in fiber, not protein. Look at the amount they get at the end of the week, not per every meal. I’m not saying they don’t need any protein at lunchtime but don’t stress yourself out trying to always get a protein heavy lunch in every day.

My DD likes hot meals, so I send rice with black beans or rotisserie chicken in a thermos, or pasta, and also keep a few frozen meals on hand (ravioli, burrito bowls) for busy periods (I just microwave them and put in the thermos)

Corned beef is easy to make in a pressure cooker