How do YOU keep your kids lunchboxes interesting?

Thanks to Fruitshoot for sponsoring today’s discussion. Just think of this like a commercial between posts.

I have 2 kids. Sons to be exact. Their ages are 11 and 14 and if you have kids this age you know that they are so hard to please. It makes the toddler years feel like a vacation in Aruba. I am not exaggerating here. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything-really.

One thing that has never gotten better with age is their picky nature. They want to eat what they want to eat and when they want it. If I am asleep, if I am sick- IF THEY CAN EASILY MAKE IT THEMSELVES– they must let me know that it tastes better when I make it. But when they are away from home, if it is packed in my kids lunchboxes , they eat it. They are hungry and for at least one of my two sons hunger is not fun. My oldest is a competitive swimmer and puts in at least 5-7 miles daily. DAILY. So not only does he eat 2 meals before 9 am but he eats a snack, lunch, snack and dinner. That is a LOT of food.

So we pack a lot of food in this house. Food for my kids lunchboxes (duh), food for snacking on and food for away meets. One thing I am always sure to do is balance what he NEEDS to eat with what he WANTS to eat. He is always craving crunch (veggies, crackers), dips (hummus and homemade dips), meat (rolled up lunch meat), cheese (I always use cheese sticks or string cheese) and fruit. This is the same thing he gets day in and day out.

What I am sure to pack is some kind of interesting drink, because he drinks between 60-100 ounces of fluid a day. Why not have a little fun with his lunch drink of choice? We rely on drinks with no added sugar or no added high fructose corn syrup. Robinson’s Fruitshoot is one drink that my 14 year old grabs first when we pack his lunch. Because- water just gets boring. I know it does for me!

This fun hydration drink is perfect for energetic, independent kids who desire fun on the go. It contains real fruit juice, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no added sugar or natural flavors.

Teaching my son to make these good choices is laying the ground work for future eating habits, don’t you think?

Here are a few of our favorite lunchtime treats and snacks:

Tortellini Pasta Salad
This makes enough to last the week.

2 packages of frozen tortellini, cooked as per directions. Do not overcook.
1 small package of Feta cheese, or cheese of your choice
5 cups vegetables of your choice and tomatoes, cut into small pieces
Salad dressing of your choice.  I used Kraft Free Balsamic dressing.
*optional: 2 cups of chopped cooked meat like turkey, chicken or pepperoni*

In a large bowl with a tight fitting lid add the first 3 ingredients.  Drizzle the salad dressing and toss until coated.  Add meat, if desired.  Put lid on tightly and refrigerate. I like to go ahead and portion this out into little containers so I can just grab what I need when packing the lunchbox.

Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap

This is a very simple ‘recipe’ that even your kids can make for themselves.  This is also a great after school snack.  This takes the traditional peanut butter and jelly and kicks it up a notch.  This wrap is packed with protein and nutrients ,but don’t tell them.  They will think they are getting a treat!

Tortillas of your choice.  I like Toufayan Bakeries Wraps
Peanut butter
1 banana , peeled and split down the middle
a drizzle of honey or jelly

Lay out your tortilla. coat the side facing you with a thin layer of peanut butter.  add the banana half, then a light drizzle of honey or jelly.  Roll tightly and wrap with foil or cling wrap.

I recommend calling your local retailer to see if they carry FruitShoot before making the trip! Please let us know as soon as possible if you encounter difficulties locating Fruit Shoot.

Retailers: Walmart, KMart, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Harris Teeter, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Spartan, Speedway, Meijer Gas, Sheetz, Kangaroo, WilcoHess, Handee Hugo, Family Fare, Giant Eagles, Marc’s, Dave’s, UDF, Traxx, Redi Mart, J Clarks