With all the parenting blogs, health sites and even a nifty little app that gives your daily calorie count, what to pack in your child’s lunch can be daunting. There’s also that moment of parental failure when your son comes home from school with part of his lunch left over. Or that Ian’s mom gives him homemade granola with dark chocolate nibs to mix in with his yogurt. (Ian’s mom does not work I have to remind). Preparing your child’s lunch is more than assembling deli meats on whole grain bread. That lunch box is dense with symbolism. It shows how we value good nutrition, the importance of an organic household and our home’s brand of style.
Reusable bento boxes with colorful lids and insulated steel are green and better looking than a Ziplock. Let the lunch goods make up for time not spent crafting food into mini art pieces.
Forget that my last report card was sent four presidents ago, I still feel like I am being graded when it comes to my child’s school lunch. His teacher must observe the kids who pull out bags of Oreos over those who have apples emblemed with Star Wars figures and how that translates to their behavior. In my elementary years all you needed for access to the popular table was a can of Hawaiian Punch and Fritos in a brown paper bag. (Lunch boxes were not cool). So how can you be the involved mom, prepare a nutritional lunch, not embarrass your kid, and respect the environment? Keep it simple yet styled, natural and involve your kids.
The Goods: In keeping a green household cotton canvas bags, cotton dinner napkins and Bento boxes are both a visual treat and keep food fresh and tasty. Just be sure to label them.
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- Nurture a young eco-mind by packing their lunch in a canvas lunch bag and reusable cotton napkin.
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- Green containers hold food together and preserve their freshness.
Nutritional Options: Consider all food groups when preparing lunch. A great way to sneak in vegetables is to add to the sandwich. Luc loves the crunch of a cucumber. Berries and fruit are always appreciated. Complete with nutritional packaged foods like raisins, vanilla flavored organic milk and graham cracker sticks for dessert.
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- Add cucumbers to basic turkey and cheese for flavor and texture.
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- Whole wheat, turkey, cheese and vegetables gets high marks in nutrition.
All food groups are represented along with packaged favorites that save crucial morning minutes. More flavor, less stress.
