Summer break is drawing to a close, with some private schools already back in session, and public schools opening doors for the first day of class on Monday, August 19th, 2019. With the trend of eating and cooking healthier, whole foods and removing processed foods for our diets, its high-time we revamp our children’s school lunches too. Stock up on bulk items to make weekly food prep a pinch for you, and easy packing for them.
But really, whether you have children or not, all of these helpful ideas can be incorporated into your everyday diet as well! Happy eating.
Lunch storage containers:
You may have noticed the rise of the “bento box” style lunch container for reusable, environmentally-friendly lunches that are also fun for the kids!
- This top-rated Bentogo box for $27.99 through Amazon https://amzn.to/2GYfi4A is leak-proof and dishwasher safe and comes from a company that gives back to “Feed the Children” from their profits. If you have a Target card, you can save 5% and order online http://bit.ly/33yphrc
- A budget-friendly option on Amazon is this 7-pack bento box for $15.94 https://amzn.to/31CXUdR
- If you’re looking for glass containers, these are rated as the best https://amzn.to/2Yzyb8V, you get 5 containers for $33.69
- Doing your back to school shopping? Pick up a couple of these bento boxes for $7.99 each at Target, while in-store supplies last http://bit.ly/2ZLUNQ7
What to Pack:
There are hundreds of ideas on Pinterest for any topic your heart desires, but it takes time to sort through them all. I’ve compiled some helpful resources for great advice and yummy, kid-friendly recipes that will help you be successful. Plus, ideas to swap unhealthy options for healthier ones they’ll enjoy.
- This blog post offers 68 healthy + colorful school lunch ideas for kids to give you some inspiration http://bit.ly/2YDRSMT
- Visit this blog for portion recommendations and a packing guide http://bit.ly/2YDfVLI
- Think outside the sandwich. If your child likes Lunchables, make your own. Use kabob skewers with fresh meat, cheese, vegetables, fruit. Make a burrito in a bowl, or quesadillas.
- Skip the chips in favor of roasted, lightly salted nuts or a healthy trail mix (check the packaging for added sugar). Sam’s Club offers nuts and trail mix in bulk for a much better price. Try to reach for almonds and cashews over peanuts
- Forgo the fruit snacks and pack fresh fruit
- Eggs can be served well beyond breakfast. Egg muffins are easy to meal prep on the weekend and grab and go all week long. Other options: hardboiled eggs or deviled eggs
- Does your child enjoy salad? Fix up their favorite with a protein, veggies or fruit, and a side of salad dressing.
- Read labels; try to purchase items that don’t have added sugar. Buy organic if that’s an option for you.
- In addition to Pinterest, you can find great ideas on Instagram by following #HealthyLunchbox or a number of other hashtags
Grocery Shopping:
Short on time? Order your groceries for pick up or DELIVERY! It’s the best invention since the lightbulb. Just do it! You’ll save money because you won’t impulse buy, you won’t have to drag kids with you through the store, and you can meal plan while your order groceries right from your kitchen!
I personally use a grocery delivery service through Shipt. They have a phone app that makes ordering groceries so simple, and I can currently order from Kroger, Target, CVS or Petco. The app stores what you frequently buy so if you’re creatures of habit, like our household, you’ll love scrolling through the list to quickly add items to your cart. Shipt membership costs $100/year, but you can sign up for only $50 by signing up here: http://bit.ly/2McxbRl. Plus, if you refer a friend, you’ll get $50 in free groceries… so it ends up being FREE! There is no delivery fee for any order over $35, just tip your shopper if you want to.
But wherever you like to shop, most stores now offer some sort of pick up or delivery service. Whether you have children or not, everyone could use some time saved where ever and however possible. Enjoy!
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