I know a lot of kids are going on week 3-4 of school, but Quinn just started preschool last week. We went to a parents information session the week before she started and they were discussing what to pack your child for lunch. Quinn’s teachers recommend 2-3 items max at lunch time. This initially made me confused…I was thinking to myself that her bento box has at least 6 compartments my OCD will have a hard time not perfectly filling each little available square.
However, the more I thought about it I liked the idea of limiting the amount of items I sent to school…it actually makes a lot of sense. I would say 75% of the time I check Quinn’s lunch after school she has only touched 2-3 items that I’ve packed. 6+ items (even in small amounts) is overwhelming for them. They are already distracted being around a bunch of new kids, so I like the idea of keeping lunch small and simple. FYI they also have a snack at school so they are getting plenty of food.
I was thinking of what food combinations I could send for lunch, while not overwhelming her, in hopes that she eats more of lunch! Here are 5 small and simple lunch ideas I will be packing for Quinn this year.
#1 Banana sushi (directions: spread nut butter across a tortilla and drizzle with honey. Roll a banana in it and cut into slices). I threw in some apple slices + freeze dried strawberries
#2 Turkey and cheese wrap with carrots + peaches + Simple Mills crackers
#3 Turkey and cheese slices + mini rice cakes + sliced strawberries + yogurt
#4 Whole wheat Ritz crackers sandwiches (I cut up deli turkey and a slice of cheese to build each “sandwich”) + strawberries + yogurt squeeze pack
#5 Almond butter star sandwich (the shapes are a game changer for getting Quinn excited to eat her sandwich) + yogurt + apple slices + small box raisins
OK- I recognize that there are more than 2 items in these lunches, but last year I packed a lot more!! I’m anxious to see if less if more when packing Quinn’s lunches this school year. I will keep you guys posted on if this new technique works for us and drop me your tips and ideas when packing your kiddos lunches. Happy back to school mamas!!!!
xx,
Alix
