In the school cafeteria, there are bringers and buyers...those that bring their lunch from home, and those that buy. My kids have always been buyers. At the beginning of every year, I offer to pack their lunches, and every year they'd declare the school food 'amazing,' and insist on buying a hot lunch there.
And truthfully, I didn't fight it...since packing a lunch was one less thing I had to worry about. But apparently there's been a change in the school lunch menu, because a few months ago they both begged me to start packing their lunch.
Transitioning them from buyers to bringers was a bigger challenge than I anticipated... remembering to pack it each night, buying more at the grocery, and coming up with meals that didn't need to be heated. Oh yeah, and that they'd like. One helpful tip has been incorporating dinner leftovers into the next day's lunch. Putting aside the stand-by PB&J and turkey sandwiches, here are a few other combinations that are hits with my kids.
And truthfully, I didn't fight it...since packing a lunch was one less thing I had to worry about. But apparently there's been a change in the school lunch menu, because a few months ago they both begged me to start packing their lunch.
Transitioning them from buyers to bringers was a bigger challenge than I anticipated... remembering to pack it each night, buying more at the grocery, and coming up with meals that didn't need to be heated. Oh yeah, and that they'd like. One helpful tip has been incorporating dinner leftovers into the next day's lunch. Putting aside the stand-by PB&J and turkey sandwiches, here are a few other combinations that are hits with my kids.
Chicken Salad on Whole Wheat Pita | made with grapes, celery & leftover chicken
Banana
Pretzel Crisps
Sugar-free Pudding
Salad with Carrots, Tomatoes & Avacado | Chopped (leftover) Chicken Breast | Ranch Dressing
Pita Chips | Hummus Cup
Chocolate Bar
Soft-Boiled Eggs (I make a big batch on the weekend for breakfasts & lunches)
String Cheese
Grapes
Snack-size Apple
Pretzel Twists | Nutella for Dipping
Honey Greek Yogurt | Mixed Berries | Granola (for a DIY parfait)
Sliced Ham
Veggie Chips
Bottle Water
Sliced Turkey
Caprese Salad of Cherry Tomatoes & Mozzarella (leftover from dinner)
Pretzel Twists
Applesauce Pouch
Granola Bar
Peanut Butter & Banana on Wheat Sandwich Thin
Greek Yogurt
Carrots & Celery | Ranch dressing for dipping
Trail Mix
Clearly, I'm not a nutritionist, but I try to keep the lunches balanced and healthy, while still being something the kids will actually eat. It took some trial and error, but I'm learning what gets eaten, and what's left behind...as well as the portion each kid needs. I usually include small bottles of water, but every now and then I'll pop one of these fun Fruit Shoot drinks in to get them excited about lunch. Their Facebook page has more great ideas for keeping lunches fun, so hop over there for more ideas.
Are your kids bringers or buyers? What are some favorites you pack for them...I'm always on the hunt for fresh ideas! Oh, and we use these lunchboxes...they are amazing at keeping food cold all day! I'm also considering this for hot foods...does anyone have experience with it?
This post is sponsored by Fruit Shoot drinks, but the opinions are all mine. Like always. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!
This post is sponsored by Fruit Shoot drinks, but the opinions are all mine. Like always. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!
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