Brown bag lunches are a great opportunity to give your child the nutrition and energy he or she needs to stay focused for the rest of the day, and it doesn't have to be a chore. These 10 meals require only minutes to prepare, and you can refrigerate them in the lunch box overnight so they'll be ready to go in the morning.

Ingredients: Garlic-and-herb-flavored cheese, whole grain pita wraps or flour tortillas, carmelized onions, thinly sliced smoked turkey, bacon, arugula or mixed baby salad greens

This recipe is a simple and fun twist on the turkey sandwich. The best part is that the ingredients are wrapped inside, so it's easier to sneak in vegetables that your picky eaters might not try if they could see them. You can substitute turkey for chicken or another deli meat, and if your little one likes avocado in slices or guacamole, it will add a big boost in brain power.

Ingredients: Honey, peanut butter, granola, milk

These super simple and delicious desserts are packed with protein and fiber for brain and digestive health. Serve with a side of strawberries or blueberries for some extra nutrition and sweetness. You might be asked to make these every day, so it's a good thing you can make them in huge batches.

Ingredients: Olive oil, garlic, ground coriander, salt and pepper, pitas

Instead of buying those bulk cases of salty and fatty snacks that are so popular for stuffing lunch boxes, try this healthy and less expensive alternative. Homemade pita chips taste amazing on their own, but they're even better with hummus, which you can also make yourself and load up with vegetables.

Ingredients: Vanilla fat-free yogurt, blueberries, maple-pecan granola

This recipe is so easy that your child can make it during lunch. Simply pack a container of yogurt, then some blueberries and granola in a plastic bag to sprinkle on top and mix in. Perfect if you're in a rush and forgot to prepare the night before.

Ingredients: Pecans, farfalle (bowtie) pasta, broccoli, mayonnaise, sugar, red onion, red wine vinegar, salt, seedless red grapes, bacon

This recipe is delicious, nutrient-packed and perfect for overnight refrigeration. Your kids won't be able to resist this colorful, bowtied dish, and you probably won't be able to resist sneaking a bit for yourself. Just be sure to keep any cold dishes in an insulated lunch box with an ice pack.

 

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