Camp is winding down in the next couple of weeks and back to school is on everyone’s mind. Every time I log on to facebook or pinterest, I see a slew of articles on how to prepare, how to commemorate the first day, and how to pack a great lunch.
I have already provided some lunch-packing tips on the FAQ section of this site, but today I want to focus on one of my favorite lunch strategies: packing a rainbow of fruits and vegetables for a diverse nutrition profile. The lunch I have packed today is very simple and clean and took less than 10 minutes to prepare. I did not use very many special tools or extra touches – everything I used was purchased locally at the grocery store or at Michael’s. The highlight of this lunch is the colorful and bite-sized pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables. Check out this beautiful EasyLunchBox:
The small compartments hold the rainbow of fruits and veggies. I have red tomatoes, orange bell peppers, yellow pineapple, green cucumber, blueberries, and purple grapes! In one silicon cup, I have some rolled up deli meat skewered with orange bell peppers. The other silicon cup contains sliced cheese that I cut with a star cookie cutter. There are some gluten-free crackers included, so my daughter may make her own lunchable-style cracker sandwiches. This lunch can be totally gluten-free or vegetarian, depending on what type of deli meat you choose. This bento has my Girlie’s current favorite – Tofurkey Bologna! This lunch is also peanut free and dye free, making it a safe-bet for classrooms with allergy restrictions.
I LOVE this! I have a 2 year old to pack lunches for during the school year. I am always looking for healthy, eye-catching ideas.
I had to pin this to reference later as well.
Thank you!!! I am glad you like the bento! I packed for a 2 year old and 5 year old all of last year and I managed to keep them happy all year long!
Healthy and fun a perfect combination.
Thank you, Saree!
Long ago, when I was an undergraduate, I took a nutrition class. I still remember my professor’s summation of one day’s lesson: “You won’t remember all this six months from now. But you’ll do fine if you do remember to eat the colors. EAT THE COLORS!” So now I do my best to eat the colors–the real colors, not the artificial ones–and I do think it works out pretty well.
That’s great advice! Thank you for sharing. I know that when I eat a lot of bright colored fruits and vegetables that I feel full faster, and with less calories. It just makes me feel better about my nutrition overall and I love setting a good example for the kids!