If there is one thing that just drives me crazy, it's when my kids don't eat what I serve them. This annoyance is elevated when I pack them a healthy lunch only to have almost the entire thing come home with them at the end of the day. (It probably feels worse because I rush to do the lunch packing in the morning... not exactly their fault.)
Although I've given some blog time lately to what to pack a lunch IN, I haven't done much in the way of discovering fun options for eating. Kids love things that not only taste great but look good too. Aren't we all this same way? And there is no doubt this takes some creativity and initiative (it's clearly easier to glob some PB and J on a couple pieces of bread). So I decided to start rummaging through my kitchen to find what I already have stocked in my cupboard plus what tools I already have and combining it with a bit of creative, mommy flair. Here are few things I came up with:
Although I've given some blog time lately to what to pack a lunch IN, I haven't done much in the way of discovering fun options for eating. Kids love things that not only taste great but look good too. Aren't we all this same way? And there is no doubt this takes some creativity and initiative (it's clearly easier to glob some PB and J on a couple pieces of bread). So I decided to start rummaging through my kitchen to find what I already have stocked in my cupboard plus what tools I already have and combining it with a bit of creative, mommy flair. Here are few things I came up with:
- The Snacky Lunch: pack crackers, pepperoni, cheese slices or cubes, grapes, and carrot sticks with dip... all favorite snack items at my house!
- The Wrap: My kids love when I make the wrap sandwiches. There's something fun about the mode of transportation if you will. I do banana and peanut butter, chicken salad, meat and cheese, avocados, whatever!
- Mini Sticks: This is a little out there, but (for older kids) try putting food on toothpicks. This works for olives, cheese, fruit or vegetable pieces, meat cubes, tofu, and more. Using toothpicks allows ease of packing and you can pack a separate container of dip!
Here I used cherry tomatoes, green olives, and cubed cheese.
Share your best lunch box ideas!
Hey Jenna!
ReplyDeleteSince I don't pack lunches for Piper yet, I can't tell you what I do. However, my mom used to pack us the best lunches! Sometimes she would put little notes for us to find. It always said how much she loved us and how proud she was of us. I loved finding her notes, it made my day! You are such a great mom to spend so much time thinking of nutritious yet interesting food for your kids! I really wish we lived closer to you guys! We should get together soon! Love you!