Let's Do Lunch!

Ugh....the kids have been back to school for only a little bit over a week but us moms are already tired of making lunches.  I don't know why but it's the chore we all dread the most. 

with limited options due to allergies an no microwaves in school lunchrooms - it's tough to be creative and have your kids actually eat their lunch.

So try some fresh and easy ideas to keep lunchtime fun

1.  Thermos of soup or chili is a great idea.  It's healthy, filling and perfect for those cooler days.

2.  Try wraps instead of sandwiches - turkey with a bit of mayo, cheese and some dried cranberries is a yummy twist or ham and cheddar cheese with green apple.

3.  Raw veggies and dip (hummus and tzatziki are great!)

4.  Cream cheese and jelly instead of PB

5.  Colourful food like red, yellow and orange peppers (they are super healthy and slightly sweet so kids tend to like them more)

6.  Pita pizza - cold pizza is delicious

7.  Homemade muffins are a great snack or lunch treat

8.  Pasta salad with steamed veggies (and some tomato sauce - too much can get really messy)

9.  Fajitas!  A wrap, some salsa, some veggies, some grated cheese and meat - wrapped individually and let them make their own

10.  Home made fruit salad

You know what your kids like, so stick with that (assuming it is healthy) and try adding new items a bit at a time.  Kids really are creatures of habit so don't push them too hard or too fast.

Keep it small.  Big portions can be really intimidating for kids plus you'll end up wasting more food that way.

Kids love a little something sweet - think of it as a reward for eating right but keep the treat healthy - fruit, dried fruit or home baked treats are a great option

Listen to your kids - maybe they mention something 'cool' or 'yummy' that one of his classmates brought for snack or lunch.  I remember as a child the first time I tried a bagel was sharing a lunch with a friend at school.

Add some wipes or damp cloth in a Ziploc bag to clean hands after lunch (the teachers will really appreciate it, too)

Sometimes the lunchbox itself is a big deal, let your child select the one that they like best - it's a great way to get them excited about eating right (and going to school)

Let your child know you love them and are thinking of them - leave little notes or jokes in the lunch bag (if they are reading on their own)