Image by jun yang from Pixabay

The school lunch has sure changed over the years. When my generation was young, it was the beginning of the tin lunch box made in plastic with a batter-proof thermos. At that time, the vast majority of households were run by stay-at-home mothers, who took the time to make packed lunches the night before.

In this modern age, there are even fewer families where a parent stays home full-time. That means snacks and lunches are often put together by a parent who is also worried about making it to their job on time. And after clearing up dinner, it’s hard to work out what your kids will be willing to eat in just 16 hours. While we want to take the time to provide a nutritious lunch that kids will love, the morning rush can necessitate shortcuts we later regret. 

Have you felt a growing banality in the food you are offering and wish to return a sprinkle of magic in your kiddo’s lunch box? Well, grab your magician hats – today, we’re going to whip up some healthy, scrumptious lunches and snacks for our preschool kids that won’t have your wallet playing hide and seek or your watches tick-tocking away!

Your child’s early snacks and lunch experiences are a building block towards their growth and development. We’re offering some tips for improving the experience, on a budget!

Yummy Lunches On A Dime

We’re talking about meals that are quick, nutritious, and as easy as ABC! The USDA’s MyPlate guidelines suggest that a balanced plate contains fruits, veggies, grains, protein, and dairy. Now, imagine if we could make that fit into our little ones’ lunch boxes? We can and we will!

Here’s a fun idea: Picture whole wheat wraps spread with a layer of hummus as the stage, and thinly sliced turkey as the main star, with a supporting cast of shredded carrots and some spinach leaves. Roll it up, and voila, you have nutrient-packed Turkey Hummus Pinwheels. Add a side of smiley apple slices (soak them in water and a squeeze of lemon to keep them from browning) and a yogurt pouch for a bone-building finale!

Or for the slightly older crowd, try low-carb offerings such as Dave’s Killer Bread, light cream cheese, a lunchmeat, and leafy lettuce and juicy tomato shaped out of the crust with a cookie cutter. Send the entire sandwich with them, letting them throw away the crusts, or eat them if they remain hungry after the meal!

For more inspiration, you can turn to ChooseMyPlate.gov which offers a treasure trove of tips on building balanced meals for your munchkins.

 

Snack O’ Clock – Fuel for Fun

We know our bundles of joy love nothing more than a little nibble here and there. And why not make it count? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends snacks like fruits, veggies, whole-grains, and lean protein to keep those engines running at peak playfulness!

Dip into happiness with this sweet and crunchy delight: sliced bell peppers, baby carrots, and cucumber sticks served with a side of hummus or Greek yogurt dip. Remember, every color of the rainbow brings with it a galaxy of nutrients!

For the fruity adventurers, let’s create mini fruit kabobs with grapes, berries, and chunks of melon. These can be prepped the night before and kept chilled for a grab-and-go morning. The American Heart Association is a big cheerleader for pumping up those fruits and veggies in your kids’ diet!

 

Quick As A Flash Prep

The secret to the morning hustle is planning! Give yourself a high-five if you chop extra veggies during the previous night’s dinner prep, or if you draw up a weekly snack menu to stick on the fridge. And, if you haven’t yet, maybe it’s time to include these sneaky tips in your superhero parent toolkit.

Take a peep at Super Healthy Kids for planning resources and ideas that can transform how you look at meal prep.

 

Final Sprinkle of Fun

And just remember, the heart of childhood is always beating to the drum of joy, growth, and all things sparkly wonderful. So, let’s keep those lunch boxes as colorful and merry as our little treasures’ imaginations. Pop in a funny note or a sticker to brighten their day. Make mealtime as much fun as playtime and just as enriching. Here’s to healthy munching and crunching!

Don’t you forget, every little step you take creates a path of health and happiness for your child. Let’s make each meal a stepping stone towards a lifetime of good habits! = If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.