When my oldest started going to preschool, one of the things I was most excited about was packing her lunch. And maybe the break too.
I loved the idea of packing her food that she would be excited about and all the other kids would be...I don't want to say jealous, but I kind of want to say jealous.
Her first year of preschool when she initially started I remember going ALL out. Like cutting things in shapes, making themed lunches, and putting a lot of effort into her lunch.
But then my youngest at the time was becoming more needy, life became more busy, and I just became too tired.
(Sidenote: Isn't she the most beautiful think ever? We are in trouble.)
After that I had to have a realization with myself that her lunches didn't have to be fancy/time consuming (or PIN worthy), but they could still be quick, simple, healthy, and toddler approved.
Fast forward to now I'm a busy mom of two with one on the way, which technically makes me a lot slower. I have a hard working husband and bags under my eyes.
Most likely I haven't prepared anything the night before, and we are running late because a certain someone refuses to change out of the Elsa pajamas.
So lunch prep has to be quick.
Here is my lunch DISCLAIMER :) :
My oldest is SUPER picky, so I try to appeal to her taste/preferences when she has lunch at school because I'm not there to monitor how much/what she eats.
I try to add one new thing a week, just letting her slowly try different foods.
Her lunches don't always have vegetables. It all depends on what I have on hand, and if I don't pack a veggie she likes, then I will make sure to incorporate veggies later on that day. (Snack/dinner time.)
I pack sweets. Some are homemade, and some aren't. She LOVES chocolate/which chocolate chips, so that's usually her 'treat'.
Here are 12 lunches that I prepared at the start of this school year. Again, nothing fancy. Just simple/quick/healthy/toddler approved.
1- Grapes, Carrots + Dip, White Chocolate Chips, Nut mix, PB + J Sandwiches
2-Sunflower seeds, Hummus Sandwich, Grapes, Raspberries, Fig Bar, Blueberry Greek Yogurt
3- Turkey, Mozzarella Cheese, Baby Tomatoes, Crackers, Berries, White Chocolate Chips
4- Grapes, PB+Honey+Banana+Cinnamon Sandwich, Shredded Mozz. Cheese, Carrots + Dip
5- Dehydrated Snap Peas, Shredded Chicken, Salad w/ tomatoes and croutons, Blueberries, White Chocolate Chips. (My daughter LOVES salad!)
6-Apples, Blueberries, Sun Chips, Bagel w/ PB +Honey+ Cream Cheese + Cinnamon, Tomato slices, White Chocolate Chips
7- (Halloween Theme), Peanut Butter Spider Crackers, Tortilla chips, Bat cheese, Blueberries, Candy Corn, White Chocolate Chips, Carrots + Dip. (I wanted to use guacamole but my avocados were bad when I opened them!)
8- Cute Oranges, Homemade Biscuit Turkey + Cheese Sandwich, Carrots, Dehydrated Snap Peas, Craisins, Sugar Cookie
9- Dehydrated Snap Peas, Hazelnut Butter, White Chocolate Chips, Cutie Oranges, Turkey
10- Blueberries, Plain Greek Yogurt + Honey, Chocolate Chips, Dehydrated Snap Peas, Pretzel Sticks, Cucumbers +Dip
11- Blueberries, Shredded Chicken, Chocolate Chips, Ants on A Log, Pretzels
12- Berries, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cream Cheese + Crackers, Applesauce
Like I said, nothing fancy :)!
What do you pack your kids for lunch? This coming fall I'll be making two lunches, I'll definitely have to post more of those experiences because my girls have WAY different food preferences :)!