Lunches Our Kids Love

I am not much of the ranting type here on Addicted to Recipes, but today, I have to rant a little.  Recently I have been seeing kids lunch ideas being shared that contain primarily packaged foods.  Great concept - create a "pick and choose your lunch" system for the kids - encourage them to decide what they want in their daily lunch (based on the food that Mom and Dad have pre-selected) - let them take ownership of their lunch, and silver lining - a better chance that they will eat their lunches too (less waste!), BUT does a kid's lunch need to contain SO MUCH pre-packaged food? And what about reusable containers?  Bento lunches are hot these days...can't we do something that's maybe a little (or a lot) healthier in more ways than one?

Now don't get me wrong, my kids eat packaged food from time to time.  It happens, and I'm OK with that.  But not everyday.  I'm not perfect when it comes to eating habits, but I do my best to provide as many healthy choices for my family as I can. 

On that note, here is how the lunches are being created in our house this week:

The reusable plastic containers are in portion sizes (1 cup, 1/2 cup).  I take time on Sundays to wash and prep the fruit and vegetables, hard boil eggs, slice cheese, and bake a fresh batch of muffins.  When these run out during the week, I replenish with new choices.  Yes, it takes a little bit of time compared to grabbing a "packaged something or other" out of the cupboard, but my kids are worth it.

This week's choices were:
- Snap Peas / Carrots / Red and Yellow Peppers / Avocados
- Blueberries / Grapes / Plums / Nectarines / Bananas
- Yogurt
- Cheese / Hard Boiled Eggs
- Homemade Morning Glory Muffins
- Choice of Sandwich or Wrap
- Water (mandatory!)

I am sure that there will be many out there that disagree with my selections for my kids' lunches, but I am hoping that some of you will be inspired and will see that having healthier choices that your kids will like IS POSSIBLE..that it doesn't take much time to do (and depending on the age of your kids, they could also help prep - great bonding time and learning time)...and is affordable too!