Nothing starts the first day of school like a good hearty lunch. These balanced bento boxes were a hit with my girls and were a perfect way to enjoy a new day as a student.
First Day of School
Happy First Week of School! Many might have already started but we started this week and the girls have been really anticipating going back. As of this year, I will have 2 in school and I do not know how to process it. I looked at the clock multiple times in the day thinking of my oldest daughter in 1st grade! One thing I did not have to worry was the fact that she might be eating junk. I was so excited to pack her a healthy lunch.
When she came home, and after sharing about her day, I asked my daughter how she enjoyed her lunch. She liked it a lot! I always dreamed of getting my girls ready for school and I officially get to do it.
Inspiration
One thing is for sure. The excitement will wine down and inspiration will wane but luckily I have my friends over at Produce for Kids who have an awesome resource for recipes and tips. Not only that but every Produce for Kids recipes are approves by their registered dietitian Katie of Mom to Mom Nutrition.
Not only are there many lunch ideas, but there are also amazing after-school snack ideas and easy weeknight dinner recipes to look through. Make sure you check it out so you can have your meal plan all set.
Power Your Lunchbox Promise®
I have partnered with Produce for Kids for many years in their amazing campaign called The Power Your Lunchbox Promise®. It was created to empower families with expert advice and tips from fellow parents on how to make and enjoy eating healthy. Won’t you be encouraged to eat healthier lunches with your family this year?
What happens when you make a promise? Every promise equals $1 (10 meals) to help families in need through Feeding America. Classrooms can pledge too and access lesson plans and activities for a healthy classroom. When you also sign up you get a chance to win some awesome products and have access to some money-saving coupons.
Two Balanced Bento Lunches and Sponsors
We have probably had our share of carbs this summer but one thing I made sure to give the girls was a good amount of fruit, veggies, fats, and carbs. I know a lot of energy can be used throughout the day for small kids so ensuring that there is enough in each category to hold them over until the end of school is important.
Thankfully I was introduced to the campaign sponsors for the Power Your Lunchbox Promise that helped with making delicious and fun bento boxes for my kids. They also made for healthier snacks for mom too!
Here are TWO balanced bento lunches that I created for my girls that make me want to steal them for myself.
- Baby Carrots and Grape tomatoes
- Bee Sweet Citrus mandarin with a Nut Free Rice Milk Chocolate piece
- Wholly Guacamole Minis with plantain chips
- Cheese, turkey, and Pero small sweet pepper skewers with a side of mustard for dipping
- Plantain chips
- Sun-maid Sour Lemon Golden Raisins ( amazing!) and Enjoy Life Rice Milk Chocolate piece
- Pero sweet mini peppers and carrots with Opadipity (Lifehouse product)
- Turkey and cheese roll ups with green olives and mustard.
- Crispy Green All Pear crispy fruit
I hope these were an inspiration as you start the school year. Kids will have fun with these lunch bento boxes and have a balanced meal the whole year.
Go and make your promise to make and eat healthy lunches this year!
During the 2017-2018 school year, Produce for Kids were able to donate nearly 450,000 meals* to families in need through Feeding America® thanks to you.
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