Make school lunches healthy and fun with these easy brown bag lunch ideas. … The simplest and healthiest foods stay …

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5 Easy, Cheap, and Quick DIY Breakfast & Lunch Ideas for School

Packing healthy and delicious meals for school doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Here are five simple DIY breakfast and lunch ideas that can be prepared quickly, are budget-friendly, and will keep you energized throughout the day!

1. Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk (or yogurt)
• Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
• Toppings (fresh fruits, nuts, or seeds)

Instructions:

1. In a mason jar or container, combine the oats and milk/yogurt.
2. Add your preferred sweetener and mix well.
3. Top with fruits, nuts, or seeds.
4. Seal and refrigerate overnight.
5. Grab it the next morning for a nutritious and filling breakfast on the go!

Why It’s Great:

Overnight oats are versatile, filling, and budget-friendly. You can customize them with seasonal fruits or whatever you have on hand, giving you endless variations!

2. Veggie & Hummus Wrap

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat wrap or tortilla
• Hummus
• Fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, etc.)
• Optional: cheese or leftover protein (chicken, turkey)

Instructions:

1. Spread a generous layer of hummus over the wrap.
2. Layer fresh veggies and any optional protein.
3. Roll tightly and cut in half.
4. Pack in a lunch container for a fresh and crunchy lunch.

Why It’s Great:

This wrap is an easy way to sneak in some veggies while being satisfying. It’s also customizable based on what you like and what’s in your fridge.

3. Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich

Ingredients:

• Bread (whole grain or your choice)
• Peanut butter (or almond butter)
• Banana
• Optional: honey or cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter generously on one slice of bread.
2. Slice banana and layer on top of the peanut butter.
3. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, slice, and enjoy!

Why It’s Great:

This sandwich is inexpensive, packed with protein, and provides a good energy boost thanks to the natural sugars in the banana. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast or lunch.

4. Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 1/2 cup granola
• Mixed berries (frozen or fresh)
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl or container, start by layering half the yogurt.
2. Add half the granola and a layer of berries.
3. Repeat the layers, finishing with berries on top.
4. Drizzle with honey if desired.

Why It’s Great:

Yogurt parfaits are quick, healthy, and visually appealing! They offer a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making them a perfect choice to keep you satisfied.

5. Simple Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta (any type)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Cheese (cubes or shredded)
• Olive oil and vinegar (for dressing)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and cheese.
2. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the mix, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss everything together and pack into a container.

Why It’s Great:

Pasta salad can be made in bulk ahead of time and is a filling meal option. It’s easy to customize with whatever veggies and leftovers you have on hand.

These five ideas are not only quick and easy to make but also budget-friendly and nutritious. Get your meal prep game on, and enjoy healthy breakfasts and lunches throughout the school week!