As far back as I can remember, I’ve never made myself a lunch five days in a row. I lack discipline, but mostly interest! But now, with a child who’s just entered the charming world of elementary school, I no longer have a choice. I can’t stay in denial my whole life. So I figured that if I share a few of my tips for surviving a school year of this dreaded chore, you’d probably do the same by leaving your own tips in the comments. You know, a little give-and-take (I’m giving it a shot)!
Well, obviously, everyone knows this: NEVER, but NEVER make lunches the same morning. Everything’s bound to get thrown together, and it’ll be sorely lacking in love! To avoid being stuck in a bind in the morning, it’s all about planning. I know, it sounds intense, but on Sundays, I make a meal plan for the week that includes dinners AND lunches. I use leftovers all the time! That way, I don’t end up standing in front of the open fridge for 30 minutes waiting for a stroke of genius. At the same time, on the side of the fridge, I’ve written down a list of every imaginable lunch idea I could make. So on Sundays, when I’m planning, I always have plenty of ideas that don’t come up too often. It saves my life!
Also, don’t hesitate to put your kids to work! They have to suffer through this chore too. Obviously, don’t present it to them that way… but there are ways to make it fun. At my house, Marily, who’s 5, is in charge of drinks and snacks. She manages her own snacks and makes sure she has something to drink in her lunch.
I also really love compartmentalized containers (read: I use them all the time). You know, those plastic containers divided into several separate sections. I use them constantly—for raw veggies, dips, cheese, crackers, mixed fruit, cold cuts, hummus, pita, yogurt, granola, and more. Get creative!
I think it’s also really important to vary the lunches. I often alternate between hot and cold meals. Also, keep in mind that variety starts at the grocery store with the choices we make there. If you’ve been buying POM bread for your sandwiches for 42 years, maybe it’s time to switch to a bagel, a croissant, a panini, or a tortilla? Dare to try something new. Everyone will be delighted. Stock up on a good selection of fruits and vegetables—little tummies love them!
And to really treat myself, we opt for one school lunch a week, which we pick out in advance based on the menu on Sunday. Of course, I feel guilty about not making lunches five days a week, but my mental health thanks me for it! What about you—what are your lunchbox tips?