I can hardly believe it, but next week my little man starts kindergarten. I’m excited for him because he’s looking forward to making new friends and doing all the things “big kids” do.
On the other hand, along with all the excitement, I’m left with yet a new job description: school lunch maker. Yes, the school offers a lunch program, and they say it’s healthy, but….
Well, I want to know exactly what he’s eating everyday.
I quickly realized I’ve got to do a little preparation to make sure I’m not just throwing his lunch together as we’re running out the door each morning. The main thing I have to remember is that there is no refrigerator to keep items cold, nor a microwave for warming foods up.
So, here’s the way I see it.
I plan our dinners for the following week ahead of time and put them on my calendar so I’m prepared each night when it’s time to start dinner.
Why not plan for David’s school lunches and snacks the same way?
- I started by listing out several nutritious foods I know he will actually eat for both lunches and snacks.
- Then I added a lunch and snack plan to my calendar for each day of the week, which included drinks.
- Finally, I included on my grocery list anything needed to make his lunches and snacks for next week.
You see, it’s just like menu planning for dinner.
My goal is to create about two weeks worth of ideas and then repeat them every two weeks. This way he’s only eating the same lunch twice per month.
Trust me, if I didn’t have a plan, he would end up with a PB&J every other day. Therefore, I really believe this is going to work for me.
Are any of you experienced school lunch makers? What are your kids’ favorite healthy lunchbox foods?
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Great idea.
I have to admit that packing lunches is one of my least favorite things to do - so thankful that b/c of homeschooling I don’t have to!
Can’t wait to hear a bit about how David’s first few days go!
Jamie
steadymom´s last blog ..Help Design My Book Cover!
Good idea! I’ll have to get organized and plan this way. My kids don’t like to buy lunch (even though many mornings I wish they would). Thanks for stopping by the blog.
Lee @ foodie plus 4´s last blog ..lunchbox snacks
Great idea! I know I’m always scrambling in the morning to get lunches made. I’ve always made a dinner menu plan, but never thought of doing it for lunches! Thanks!
SJL´s last blog ..WFMW - Backpacks
I’ve done this with breakfasts on school mornings too - works like a charm. Monday - waffles. Tuesday - cereal, and so on.
Angela´s last blog ..WFMW - back to school edition
Great idea! Thanks!
I do the same thing. It works out great for us! Now that my kids are older they WANT to eat school lunch, so I allow them once per week. We all sit down together with the school lunch calendar and my menu plan and decide which day they eat school food and then we talk about what is to be packed the rest of the week.
Nikke´s last blog ..WFMW - Homework Box and Art Caddy
I am going to try this one…and the breakfast one too! Thanks!
Brooke´s last blog ..Back to School traditions
Any chance you’d share a sample lunch meal plan? I’d love to see the details of how you plan it out.
Beth @ Smart Family Tips´s last blog ..Eating Better: Grass-Fed Beef
One of mine likes PB & J; the other likes turkey, cheese, and black olive sandwiches. My little one also likes to take leftovers like soup, spaghetti, etc. I pour boiling water in a little thermos to heat it up, cook the food until it is very hot, pour out the water, and fill it with food. He says it is still warm when he eats.
Jennifer @ Clutching to the Vine´s last blog ..Sticking to Routines
You always have the best ideas! Good luck with Kindergarten!! It will be fun:-)
Amy @ Living Locurto´s last blog ..Hostess Jo Giveaway!
My kids are too young for school but I’ve seen loads of great ideas for packing lunches on a website called The Big Red Kitchen. Check it out and let us know what you come up with!
I always read great ideas like this and think I should try them but just end up wondering what’s for lunch every day…
Andrea @ The Train To Crazy´s last blog ..Five for Five giveaway
Well, it’s never too late to start.
Why don’t you give it a try for just one week and see how it goes.
I’d love to see your two week plan. I’ve started my brainstorming too, I have started a post on this.
Multi-Tasking Mommy´s last blog ..Trying to Be Healthy…