Lunch on the Run
Laurie King
When you are a teacher, lunch is super important. It not only gives you food fuel which is a thing we are told we need, it gives you a moment to check out of the kid head-space and take a breath. Sadly, many schedules prohibit a proper sit down, napkin on the lap, water in a glass with ice, kind of lunch. So we put together this list of lunch ideas you can make ahead of time, and grab in a hurry at school. Oh, and they don't require utensils. Because who has time for that?
The Not So Classic PB&J
Before you roll your eyes and dismiss this traditional kid food, try making a sandwich with almond butter and some really great jam. Artesian jams are typically much lower in sugar than jelly, and almond butter is a great source of protein. Pair it with some baby carrots and a bottle of water, and you are good to go until happy hour! Shape.com has a list of other great nut butter sandwich ideas.
Edamame Hummus Wrap
Combine together protein-rich edamame hummus (Trader Joes has a great one!) with cabbage, bell peppers, scallions, and parsley. Roll it in a spinach tortilla. It's delicious, good for you, and won't kill you if you can't get it in the refrigerator. What's even better, tortilla-wrapped foods make a great tool to wave at a kid when you're trying to get her off the top of the monkey bars!
Chicken Club Wrap
If keeping your food refrigerated isn't an issue for you, and you need big chunks of meat to complete any meal, this wrap is an alternative to the veggie one above. Left-over grilled chicken breast combined with nonfat plain Greek yogurt, onion, bacon, and lettuce is super yummy! Eating Well has a recipe you can follow.
Chicken Salad Pita
Sticking with chicken, this pocket full of goodness is crazy good and only 344 calories. Just stuff 1/2 cup chopped leftover chicken breast, 1/2 grated apple, and 1 tablespoon low-fat Greek yogurt into a whole-wheat pita. Bam!
Summer Rolls
This last one is for you fancy people. It requires a little bit of preparation, but you will have the satisfaction of lunch-shaming your colleagues. Divide 12 large cooked shrimp and 1 cup each bean sprouts and shredded cabbage between 4 rehydrated rice paper sheets. Wrap them up burrito-style. You're going to want to keep these cold. Eating shrimp that has sat out all morning can make for a very unfortunate afternoon in the classroom.