Confession: we haven’t switched the boys over to a paleo diet yet. I want to, I really do, but it’s hard when you live with Italians and most of your kids’ favorite foods are grain-based. We’re working on it, though.
The boys’ absolute favorite way to eat is bento-style with a little of this and a little of that on their plates. To encourage a balanced diet, this generally includes a protein, a fruit, a veggie and a starch. They don’t always eat all the things, but as long as they get the protein in, I kinda don’t care.
This style of eating lends itself really well to paleo so we’re starting the transition with Joey’s school lunches. Luke is in daycare and we get little to no say over what he eats there. I’m definitely not ready to cross that bridge yet.
Joey is and always has been the pickier of the two boys. He will eat a lot of things other kids don’t (octopus, anyone?) but he tends to get ritualistic about his food and would eat the same meals every day if it was an option.
To make packing his paleo school lunches even easier, I created this printable grid. You can sit down with your littles once a month and add foods in each category based on what they like and/or what you have on hand. Then you just have to choose one from each list and you’re done!
Click Image for Printable Version
Searching the interwebs for paleo school lunch ideas, I found some really awesome posts with some great ideas for creative things to pack in school lunches. Definitely check out the list below for inspiration – you won’t be sorry!
Nom Nom Paleo’s Week of Paleo School Lunches Series
Paleo Parents’ Packing a Paleo Lunch is Easier than You Think
Paleo/NonPaleo’s 10 Super Efficient Steps to Hacking Paleo School Lunches
Primal Bliss Nutrition’s A Month of Real Food School Lunches
Deliciously Organic’s Back to School Lunch Ideas
Oh! And one last thing – want to add some really cute notes in with your super healthy lunches? Check out this printable from Mama Bub!
![lunch box notes[5]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lunch-box-notes5.jpg)
Looking for more paleo goodness? Check out these AWESOME ROUNDUP posts as well for some great ideas, many of them compliant!
Thanks for these printables! I don’t pack lunches yet, but I do make lunches everyday at home. So I’m going to use your chart as a good reminder so my kiddo combo gets something a little better balanced than the cheese toast they ate yesterday.
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Paleo or not, this is a great idea to get the little ones to help choose healthy options!
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