This lunch box series making me happy and the reason why, because I can give you an idea of how simple it is to put one lunch box…correction one ‘happy’ lunch box together.
I had a chance to observe for over 5 months of school lunches, but to be more precisely what kids would eat, and how they eat while in school. For that reason, I will not stop posting lunch box ideas.
You already know how important healthy food is for our growing kids, but I want also to be a reminder that you can take time to make a lunch for your kid -If I can do it for my three kids than you can do it too.
I am astonished how disgusting cafeteria food is, and I have been for quite some time. I have to tell you that what you know about school food is all true, nothing changed. I don’t blame school, principle, teachers or even lunch ladies, but the board of education who are feeding our kids nothing but crap.
Food is processed and most of it is pure junk. Hell, I would say that McDonald’s is much healthier than public school cafeteria food that our children eat on a daily bases. Yes, you get one serving of fruit, and two servings of veggies but the rest is sugar, fat, canned food and processed garbage meat.
Every kid deserves to eat healthy just like you. Most of them spend at least 7 hours of school time plus many go to after-care, and apart from a snack, lunch is extremely important for their academic development, focus and strive for learning.
I know that I cannot do anything to change school cafeteria food, but I have my own views and opinion to voice out as a mother.
I hope to change your mind, a mind of a great parent to take a step further, get up 10 minutes earlier and prepare lunch for your kid. Today lunch is an example! It took me 10 minutes exact to prepare and pack, not one but three lunch boxes.
Now, that doesn’t look like an unfun food, does it?…most kids love sandwiches so I balanced it with fruits and “healthier” natural sugars that they always want. Much better option than some sugary, fatty bars, don’t you agree?!
Fiber is important so apples and a handful of fresh organic broccoli florets go a long way and it is just a great way to eat it with a sandwich.
I used Ham in water with less sodium, fat-free cheeses, and baby greens or you may use lettuce. My kids love chocolate milk, and even though I am not a fan of giving them sugary chocolate milk, I think it’s a great reward for them when they eat something like blueberries, mandarins, green apples, mixed baby greens, and broccoli.
Just to add, before wrapping this post up that you can use regular milk or any other items instead. Use what you may have on hand, for example, if he/she don’t like ham use turkey or chicken, oranges instead of mandarins and/or carrots instead of broccoli.
It is about creating something that your kids WILL eat, but still, consider to build a balanced and healthy lunch box!
Lunch Box: Ham sandwich with Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Ingredients
- 1 Bun /white whole wheat, the whole grain-it’s up to you!
- 1 tsp. Cream Cheese spread whipped
- 1 Slice of Mild Cheddar
- Handful Mixed Baby greens
- Handful Broccoli florets
- 1 Mandarin
- 1/2 Cup Blueberries
- Green Apple w/dip-optional* peanut-butter could be used a substitute.
- Milk
Recipe Notes
If you going to cut an apple into slices, squeeze lemon juice to prevent apple from browning.