When I was a kid we always had hot lunch at school which I liked, but I always thought it would be fun to take my lunch to school in a lunch box or paper bag. One of my favorite memories is staying the night with a friend and her mom packing a sack lunch for us. When we moved to a new state in 7th grade the school did not have a cafeteria and I got to have a lunch box. I loved it, but it was only for three months, then we moved and I had hot lunch again. I guess I couldn't get bored with the lunch menu in three months time, but some kids take lunch for years and it can get really old for Mom or Dad trying to figure out what to pack. "Lunchables" are expensive and we all want something for the kids that is nutritious, but that they won't throw away. So, where do we turn?
A great place to start is at the dinner table. You’d be surprised at what foods he may enjoy cold and if your child’s classroom has a microwave your options are even better. Maybe your child loves broccoli or carrots, try vege chips or dried veges--green beans are awesome. Offer new items as an after school snack and if they like them, then you know they won't be throwing them away. Don't pack something new without trying it at home first.
Here are a few easy fixes.
Sandwich Roll Ups
Sandwich roll ups can take on many forms. For instance an easy lunch may include deli rolls made by spreading thin slices of salami with a little mustard. Add a strip of cheese and a pickle spear. Roll up. Secure with toothpicks. Or spread slices of ham with cream cheese. Roll up and eat as is or slice into 1-inch spirals.
Mini Subs
Make a miniature submarine sandwich out of a hot dog bun. Use pepperoni slices and other favorite meats. Slice regular sized deli meat into thin strips. Add cheese and shredded lettuce. Pack a small container of salad dressing to pour on top at lunchtime.
Homemade Lunchables
Instead of paying top dollar for a boxed lunch of meat, cheese, crackers, a treat and a sugar based beverage with little to no nutritional value, be creative and encourage your children make their own.
The best way to interest your child in making his own "Lunchables" is to encourage him to select both the container and the ingredients. What kinds of deli meat, cheese and crackers does he prefer? When shopping for groceries ask that your deli meat be sliced thick instead of shaved or regular slices. If your child doesn’t like the idea of square deli meats use cookie cutters to cut out meat and cheese.
Pack milk or juice boxes instead of pop or fruit flavored beverages. Maybe you can compromise on the ‘treat’ by offering a dried fruit or cereal mix with a few M& M’s or even purchase some ‘treat size’ chocolate bars and keep them on hand for those special days when homemade "Lunchables" will be on the easy lunch menu.
Cold Dogs
If your child enjoys cold pizza maybe he would also like to try a cold hot dog. (After all, wieners are already cooked.) Just put the condiments directly on the bun, add a wiener and wrap up.
Be creative using the leftovers of foods they really enjoy at the dinner table.
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