This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Sistema; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Top: SheIn Striped Tie-Front Cuffed Shirt (S)
Bottom: Express Factory (super similar – on sale!)
Hair: Slip Silk Hair Ties (highly rec!)
Sistema Klip It Collection sandwich box
Sistema bento box
Sistema Small Split Rectangular Box
Sistema Salad Kit
Less than 3 weeks to go until school starts! It seems like our schedule this summer has gotten more lax than others, so I’ve been getting myself prepared to get back into the the busy-ness of tight morning routines! One of my biggest struggles when my kids first started going to school was figuring out healthy lunchbox ideas — I don’t know about you but it can be hard packing a lunch that is both nutritious and one that my kids will look forward to eating. But, now that I have a few years of experience under my belt (and have learned how to balance multiple kids’ tastes!), I’m sharing some tips and healthy lunchbox ideas!
Form & Function First
First let’s talk for a quick minute about food storage. We’re big on reusable containers over here and I’m all about finding ones that are just the right size and most importantly, don’t leak! After reading all the rave reviews on Amazon for the Sistema collection of storage containers, I instantly ordered myself a few to try out.
For starters, I love that the Sistema containers are all dishwasher safe (on the top rack), microwave safe (without the lid), and fridge / freezer safe! The containers are made in New Zealand, and are BPA and Phthalate free. The Klip-It lids are super easy to secure and remove (at 5 years old, Dylan didn’t have any problems doing it himself!). There is also a flexible inner seal that I didn’t find in most other containers that is surprisingly effective at keeping food fresh (plus it comes out for easy cleaning!). All of the pieces are also modular and designed to compactly stack with one another which has been such a nice added bonus as our cabinets have definitely gotten out of control with a chaotic scattering of storage containers in the past!
Main Meal
When it comes to main entrees, I love using the Sistema Klip It Collection sandwich box. Not only is it big enough to hold our larger sandwiches made out of oat nut bread, but it’s also the perfect size when it comes to portioning out the main meal. I love that it’s a low-profile container and saves both space and weight in my kids’ lunchboxes!
As for main meal ideas, here are a few that we cycle through:
- cheese + chicken quesadillas (a favorite!)
- veggie fried rice (jasmine rice stir-fried with frozen mixed veggies + scrambled egg + soy sauce + sesame oil)
- grilled / rotisserie chicken + steamed cauliflower
- almond butter + jelly sandwich (use sunflower seed butter if nut-free)
Sides + Snacks
My favorite food container is the small split rectangular one as it’s the perfect container to hold both morning and afternoon snacks for my kiddos. It’s also the perfect duo if I want to pack something with a dip such as cucumbers and hummus or carrots and yogurt — the seal is airtight and I’ve never had any issues with leaking!
A few of the snack / sides that my kids love:
- baby carrots
- steamed frozen veggies (they love the peas / carrots / corn mix)
- hard-boiled egg (15 min in steamer!)
- sweet potato (25 min in Instant Pot or wrap in foil and cook overnight in slow cooker on low)
- edamame
- whole wheat crackers (I like the organic options from Bitsy’s Brainfood)
- sliced cucumbers
- cheese cubes
- applesauce
- fresh fruit
Meanwhile, I just had to share that Sistema has some great options that I also love using when I pack my lunch for work! The salad kit and bento box are my favorites and I often will get compliments from co-workers even on how “smart” my containers are! The salad kit is especially useful as I love that there are 2 levels –a bottom layer that I use for the greens and a top layer that I use for my mix-ins and salad dressing! There’s even a small container especially portioned out for the dressing as well as a fork and knife that can clip to the underside of the top layer. Seriously, if you’re someone who is always on the go but wants to be fully prepared with a healthy salad, this is your container!
The Sistema bento box is another favorite for me as it basically provides the convenience of combining multiple containers into one. I love that I can have a mini salad on one side, a wrap or maybe some leftovers in the middle, as well as some fruit and veggies on the other side! There’s even a removable tray that can hold a sandwich as well as a small cup that’s included for liquid options.
Get prepared for back-to-school this year and I hope this post helps you get some new healthy lunchbox ideas to keep your lunch game strong! Be sure to check out Sistema on Amazon and take advantage of some of the sales (this lunch cube and water bottle combo is marked down just in time for back to school!).
pin now, save for later!
++ all photos were taken by yours truly with this camera, lens, tripod, and remote. ++
edited using Barcelona Lightroom Preset (tutorial)
Rach says
Wow, I love how organized you are with lunches! This is amazing! And thanks for the lunch ideas. Def will try it!
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Mollie says
Those containers look like the perfect way to organize lunches! Thanks for the ideas!
xx Mollie
Anna English says
I love the idea of the dividers so you can mix and match without worrying about things getting soggy!
miriam says
yum!!! these kinds of posts are my favorite! i love any lunch and snack ideas!
Narhee says
Wow great ideas and wonderful organization!
Narhee | Made in Mauve
Tanvi Rastogi says
Such great ideas! Love the planning and the boxes with dividers. Such a good idea.
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Kait Elizabeth says
These systems are so practical and versatile!!! Great ideas babe. Hugs, Kait
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Cathy says
This looks so healthy and organized, I’ll have to try it with my kids.
XOXO
Cathy
Deborah says
These are such great ideas and so healthy to boot!
Taylor Mobley says
These are so great for on the go lunches. I need to do it for my hubby!
Delia Atenea says
Way to go mom! I love all these ideas and I’m totally gonna use them. My kids started school today! I love these Sistema containers! They look so efficient!
Liz says
I need to get some of these boxes for myself! What a great way to store food!
Kimberly Burke says
So many fun lunch ideas and love the dividers! Definitely need these!!!
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Oh to Be a Muse says
Even though I’m well passed school age, I want all of these easy prepped lunches for myself. I swear I eat like a kid.
rachel says
I need you to be in charge of my meal planning! This looks so simple and delicious!
Megan says
I don’t have kids but I’m definitely going to send this to some of my mom friends. Such a helpful post for back to school!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
Jessica says
This is such a great idea! I pack three lunches every morning so it is important for me to keep organized.
xo Jessica
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Jasmine Vargas says
I should get this for my fiance for when he needs lunch for work vs him buying food outside.
Sara says
Can you make my weekly lunches too?! These easy meals sound so yummy and I just love how organized you are!
xo, Sara
Erica @ Coming Up Roses says
WOW I so badly need this system – what fabulous organization for lunches!!!
Jess Scull says
These are such great ideas for lunches! Will definitely try some
Theresa Huse says
I love the containers, and lunch ideas. Thanks for sharing at the inspiration spotlight party @DearCreatives pinned and sharing. See you again soon.
kelly Fordon says
I use Sistema to meal prep my own lunches and love their compact sizes!
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Emma Sivewright says
The Cute and Little Easy Healthy Lunchbox is the perfect way to keep your child’s lunch box healthy and nutritious. Brain Surgery Adelaide
Martin Mitchell says
This cute and little lunch box has everything you need to make a healthy and tasty lunch. This box comes with: a protein bar, a piece of fruit, and a side of vegetables.
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Elizabeth says
There are plenty of flavors to choose from, so no matter what your child’s favorite flavor is, they will be sure to love this box. Dentist North Shore
Kurk Widderick says
They are stylish and easy to assemble, and come with a variety of different flavors and designs. Electrician Redland Bay
Alex Yap says
This is a great way to prepare your own healthy and convenient lunch. You can make a variety of different lunch options with this easy to make and healthy box. prestige builders Perth
Denial Leaonardo says
This box has all of your favorite healthy snacks and meals inside, so you can easily and quickly have a nutritious and delicious lunch. building inspections port stephens
Shane Long says
The Cute and Little Easy Healthy Lunch Box is perfect for school time! It’s small and easy to store, and it’s perfect for storing healthy snacks and drinks too.
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Gerad Sasidharan says
The Cute and Little Easy Healthy Lunchbox is perfect for back-to-school time. This box has all the necessary ingredients for a healthy lunch, and it’s easy to put together.
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Hot Ride says
Thanks for the helpful tips and lunchbox inspiration! It’s always a challenge to keep lunches exciting and nutritious for back-to-school season. Mobile Car Detailing In Burwood