Healthy Holiday Lunches for Kids

There is much to enjoy during the holidays, especially around food. With so many delectable holiday treats around, though, getting the proper nutrition during mealtimes can be hard. Not to worry, Pop has your back! If you’re looking for delicious and balanced lunches for your kids this holiday season, we’ve got some ideas for you. Join us as we explore some healthy lunches your kids will be sure to enjoy while helping them maintain a balanced diet in between all of the holiday treats this time of the year!

Classic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

With the days growing colder, a warm, tasty meal will surely keep your kids happy and satisfied after a long day of playing in the snow or spending indoors by the fireplace. As a kid, chicken noodle soup was a staple of many of our cuisines during the winter months and remind us of the good times we had after sledding, playing in the snow, or even as an after-school snack after a cold day. For our first healthy holiday lunch idea, we thought a delicious chicken noodle soup would be a fitting recipe to share with you! This tasty recipe is a healthier alternative to canned chicken noodle soups and pairs deliciously with a nice grilled cheese sandwich or even some butter toast for a bit of a simpler lunch. You can even pair some steamed vegetables on the side, seasoned with whichever seasonings you enjoy, for a well-rounded and filling meal that will surely leave a smile on your kids’ faces.

Healthy Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Nothing screams a delicious holiday meal more than spaghetti and meat sauce! This true comfort food will have your kids running to the kitchen table for a filling yet healthy option during the holiday season. Best of all, this recipe requires only one pot and 25 minutes of cooking time, leaving you with less preparation time and more time enjoying the coziness of the winter days. Additionally, if your kids are less inclined to enjoy their veggies as a side dish, you can include diced, grated, or pureed vegetables within this dish to provide them with the benefits without the hassle! Pair this dish with garlic toast and a nice hot chocolate on the side for a well-balanced and filling lunch for your children.

Hearty Holiday Chili

When the weather’s chilly, who wouldn’t want some chili? This hearty dish is the perfect lunchtime choice that your kids will love. With filling beans, vegetables, and meat, chili is a wonderful and versatile choice in your recipe book, especially for the holidays, and you can dress it up or down however you prefer! This recipe is also great to prepare ahead and keep in the refrigerator, making for a wonderful meal-prep option for busier days. Serve with some oyster crackers or even some slices of bread for a well-rounded, warm, and filling meal that your whole family will love!

Classic Healthy Mac and Cheese

If there’s one meal kids always love, it has to be mac and cheese. This delicious, cheesy pasta dish makes for an easy crowd-favorite that is perfect for the winter months and pairs well with various healthy sides, including vegetables and a nice fruit parfait! Best of all, there are many ways to prepare this dish healthily, using lower fat cheeses, whole wheat pasta, and even mixing vegetables into the mac and cheese to add an extra dimension! This recipe includes a few ingredients, and it is noted that this mac and cheese will provide a great serving of protein as well!