The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.

Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

What Is a Healthy Lunch I Can Bring From Home?

The food sold in my school cafeteria is so unhealthy. What is a healthy, filling lunch that I can bring from home?
Hollie*

It can seem like an impossible task to incorporate the healthy and satisfying foods you need to get through your busy day into a tiny brown bag, but it's a lot easier than you might think. When you're making your lunch, focus on whole grains, lean protein, and fruits and veggies.

Why explore super-fancy solutions when the easiest healthy lunch option is the ol' standby, the sandwich? To build an impressive, healthy sandwich, all you need is whole-grain bread, lean deli turkey, some fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and a slice or two of low-fat cheese — quite a filling combo. An even more simple sandwich solution could be peanut butter and thinly sliced apples on whole-wheat bread.

Sandwiches not your thing? Try a more creative and exotic route and pack a salad with leftover chicken and some whole-wheat crackers on the side. Or maybe try some whole-wheat pita bread with hummus and fresh veggies for dipping. Whatever you choose, include at least three food groups and vary the flavors to keep it interesting.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

Back To Top

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com