Back to school means back to lunch-packing. Make it easier with high-protein ideas from Think Beef.
The start of a new school year always seems to sneak up quickly—and with it comes the daily scramble to fill lunchboxes with options that are tasty, healthy, quick to prep and packed with protein. That last one is key. Protein boosts energy and supports focus, helping kids power through the day—so the real question is how to pack in that protein without piling on extra effort.
That’s where Think Beef comes in. Their new booklet, Let’s Pack It With Protein, is full of smart tips and yummy recipes that use beef as a source of high-quality protein. Whether your kids love bento-style lunches or prefer a hot meal in an insulated container, this guide will help you assemble lunches that are easy to make, satisfying to eat and designed to keep kids going strong right up until the dismissal bell.
Keep reading for the goods.
Why Protein Matters
Protein is an important building block for…well, everyone. But for kids, it’s crucial for growth and development. In the big picture, it’s necessary for building and repairing muscles, bones and tissues, and it plays a vital role in producing enzymes and maintaining hormones for overall well-being.
On a day-to-day (even hour-to-hour) basis, protein is also an important source of energy. While other types of food, like carbohydrates, can give an immediate energy boost, items that are higher in protein can help kids feel satisfied longer, regulate blood sugar and prevent energy fluctuations or crashes.
How to Pack Protein-Powered Lunches
Making sure lunchboxes have enough protein doesn’t have to take a lot of time or energy. These practical, parent-tested strategies from Think Beef are exactly what you need:
- Making Bolognese sauce, steak stir-fry or beef stew for dinner? Double up on protein-based meals so you can easily pack leftovers into lunches the next day.
- Try cooking a big batch of seasoned ground beef, steak strips or roast beef on the weekend for use in wraps, quesadillas or sandwiches throughout the week.
- Add mini meatballs to salads or soups (you can pack them separately to be added at school if you’re worried about how they will travel).
Once you’ve got your protein inclusion sorted, round out lunches with colourful fruits and veggies, a sweet treat and a handwritten note or joke. Looking to save time? Pack lunches the night before. Just be sure to heat up any warm items the morning of.
TIP: Want to make sure hot lunches stay hot? Fill your insulated container with boiling water, replace the lid and allow it to sit for 10 minutes to warm the liner. Dry well, then heat your hot item and pack immediately.
Try This Protein-Forward Meal Plan at Home
Looking for some protein-fueled lunchbox inspiration? Get all of these recipes in Let’s Pack It With Protein, a free downloadable booklet from Think Beef.
Ready to get started? Let’s Pack It With Protein also includes handy lunch-packing checklists, make-ahead tips and a printable weekly lunch planner. Click here for your copy.
