What’s In Your Lunchbox?

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Back to school and the dreaded daily scramble to pack a lunch that will pass inspection by your child. I don’t know about you, but I have opened a many a lunchbox at the end of the school day to find my child’s mostly uneaten sandwich remained.  What good is it to send a lunch if they are not going to actually eat it?  This may not be the case for everyone, but my kids like to be in control of their food choices.  I figured out fairly quickly by letting them pack the lunches I worried much less about them being in math but thinking about being hungry.  Here are some things that have worked for me.  
I figured out my job was to provide lots of options that were easily accessible and easy to grab.  I always sit down with my kids before school starts and ask for their input.  Here are some of my kids favorites.  
Trailmix
String Cheese
Jello
PB & Crackers
Chips, Cheeze Its or Goldfish
Go-gurt
Applesauce
Fruit like strawberries, grapes & apples
Turkey, Ham, Pepperoni
I make sure these items are packaged in a way that make them easy to overlook when lunches are being packed.  
The kids gave me the specifics for what they wanted to see in their trail mix so I headed to our local Sams Club and purchased cashews, dry roasted peanuts and M&M’s to add to the pretzels, pecans and chocolate chips I already had on hand.  I mixed all items in a large mixing bowl and then parsed out to snack size ziplock bags.  
Jello & string cheese are also easy and fit nicely into a bin inside the fridge.  I cut up strawberries, grapes and broccoli to add to snack size ziplock as well.  Love these little mini containers for a little ranch to dip with.  My kids have eaten so much more fruit since I began packaging individually even when they are home.  
I purchased these bins from Bed Bath & Beyond and they fit perfectly on the shelf in my fridge as well as in the pantry.  See my complete pantry before and after organization here.  
Thank goodness for Jif to go packets!  I am sure it is much more economical to add PB to a tiny container from home but have you ever tried getting the remaining PB out of one of those containers? Time=money and buying these suckers saves me some washing time down the road I’m positive.  
The only other decision to make is what my kids refer to as their “main thing”.  Often this is some sort of sandwich and I try to change up the type of meat, cheese and bread to keep things interesting. I really think even buying little rolls or tiny slider buns would be a fun change.  I have not been successful in getting them to roll up a tortilla but I think that would be a great option.  Carly loves a pasta salad that I make so I whipped up a batch without a few of the ingredients she doesn’t care for and then packaged it up for her so all she has to do is grab and go and her “main thing” is waiting for her! She has requested a broccoli salad similar to this one next week.  
Carly’s Favorite Pasta 
Buitoni Tortellini large pkg cooked
Mix in:  
1 container Buitoni pesto 
1/2 cup grated fresh parmesan
1 small can chopped olives
Additional add ins could include pepperoni or chicken for some protein
If you want the kids to have responsibility for packing their own lunches then your job is to make sure it is easy to access.  I have bins in the fridge that are at eye level for my kidos as well as two bins in the pantry which are also easy for grab and go.   
Do I browse their selections?  Some mornings I actually do and I use it as a learning opportunity to point out why we might want to add a little turkey and cheese and not take only an apple, grapes and strawberries.  I really do not monitor every bite my kids take but I do feel it’s important they understand that a lot of sugar is not going to sustain you through the day and protein will help fill the void.  Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose.  I figure if they are eating some fruits and a veggies I’m going to count it as a win.  
And what about a healthy lunch for mom?  Well I am proud to say I eat food from home most days and limit dining out.  I actually meal prepped for myself this week too and it feels so good to know I have something healthy waiting for me at lunch.  
On Sunday I roasted some of my favorite veggies and cooked a batch of brown rice while Keith grilled up several steaks and chicken breast.  
I added 1/2 a cup of rice, veggies and about 4oz of meat to my new rubber made take along containers.  I always have avocado around so I will more than likely have 1/4 to 1/2 an avocado with each meal as well for some healthy fat.  
Speaking of, while we were at Sams club on Sunday we ran across this bin of storage containers that were perfect.  Is it just me or does everyone swoon over a complete set of Rubbermaid with matching lids?  I love that the container they come in is actually also a container!!  I’m a dork I realize but all of this was $19.97.  I seriously have patted myself on the back multiple times.  
Life just rolls smoother when the morning routine is not complicated. Take the stress out of packing lunches and let your kids pick up the slack. I promise even a kindergartner can handle it!  Of course don’t forget to sneak in the occasional love note to surprise them.  
Have a great day!  
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