Alternatives to the boring PB&J!
It's hard to believe that summer is almost over! It's time to start thinking about school lunches. It can be a daunting task thinking about what to pack in your kid's lunches. You need something healthy, easy to make and eat, quick, and economical…not to mention something they actually want to eat! Here's some ideas to help get the creative juices flowing!
Instead of the boring peanut butter and jelly sandwich why don't you try…
Slice an apple width-wise. Cut out the core. Put peanut butter between 2 slices. Easy, nutritious and delicious!
This is a great gluten-free option.
What kid wouldn't love banana sushi?! Let them pick the ingredients. My daughter wanted banana, peanut butter and a little nutella. My nephew likes his with granola in place of the banana. Wrap it up in a whole wheat tortilla and slice it up. I bet all the other kids at school will be trying to trade what's in their lunch for this!
One year in elementary school the girl sitting across the table was eating something that looked a little weird to me. She let me try a bite and I loved it! Every day I would beg her to share. Finally I just asked my mom if she would make salami rolls for me. 2 ingredients, that it! Salami and cream cheese. Spread the salami with a thin layer of cream cheese and then roll it up. Little fingers will love picking up this fun sandwich alternative.
This is another great gluten-free alternative. (Most salami is gluten-free but make sure you check your brand's label.”
I have found that food is more exciting for kids when it's bite sized. Instead of a ham and cheese sandwich, try these sandwich wheels. Put a piece of bread between 2 pieces of wax paper. Flatten the bread out with a rolling pin. Add your filling. I've made this before with nutella for a tea party. Let your kids pick what goes in! Spread it out evenly and tightly roll it up. Then slice it. Who says lunch can't be pretty?
So now that you have ideas on what to eat for lunch; you need ideas on what to put the food in. You've spent a lot of time and money preparing a yummy lunch. Here are some lunch bags and containers that I really like!
Lock & Lock 8-Piece Compact Lunch Box Set with Leak-Proof Containers and Water Bottle– What a great lunch kit! It has everything you need to pack a great lunch! Even a water bottle. And leak-proof is always a good thing!
Maranda Enterprises Re-Freezable Lunch Box– I hate ice packs. I always forget to either put them in the freezer or put them in the lunch. That's why I love this lunch box. It has a built in ice pack!
Rubbermaid Lunch Blox Kit– This is a great idea for lunch containers! It's so versatile and easily fits together.
Smart Planet Collapsible Eco Lunch Box– This is a great “green” option! I love it that it can collapse, leaving more room for books and homework! It's also dishwasher safe!
Have a great and yummy school year!
Disclaimer: MyRoyalKitchen.com is part of the Walmart Moms program and I was compensated for my time in creating this post.As always ,my thoughts and opinions are my own.