It started out so simple ...

This is the lunch that started it all. It was simple, yet diverse. I had fun packing it; it was like a game fitting all the food into the containers. I know ...
Anyway prepping the food really didn't take that long at all and it's complete! All the food groups are covered and best of all - it's FRESH!

And now for my first "Lunchbox Breakdown":

RED: Um ... those are Spicy Nacho Doritos. :(
(mulligan)

I like to put at least one 'fun' thing in their lunch. So this is what we call a mulligan - because it doesn't count.

YELLOW: Cucumbers and ranch dressing
(veggie, dairy)

I have to remind Baloo that she needs to eat her vegetables to help her body deal with that cheese stick. ;-) It works! We've had several conversations about how our digestive system works and how important it is to eat fruits and vegetables even though it might not be what we feel like eating. I've found that if they know why they have to eat cucumbers, it's easier to convince them to just dip it and knock 'em back first ... then enjoy your grapes and cheese!

PURPLE: Turkey sandwich w/mayo and romaine lettuce
(protein, carb, veggie)

My kids also like black pepper in the mayonnaise. If you have an adventurous eater, this is a gentle way to kick it up a notch, but not be too hot. Adds an extra 'something'. I also sometimes add a little mustard to the mayo.

GREEN: Black seedless grapes
(fruit)

A favorite!

SIDE: Twisted cheese stick
(dairy)

DRINK: Water
They expect water and they know why. Many people don't consider that kids don't drink a whole lot during a school day. What they drink at lunch may be the bulk of their fluids for the day. I feel better knowing the fluids they DO get are cleansing and hydrating. Every once in a while I'll put a water bottle flavor packet in their lunch (mulligan), but they've learned not to pour the whole thing in. You have to pinch the bottom "thumb-length" of the package and then go from there. Otherwise, it's way too strong.

SNACK: "Pixie Mix "
(carb, protein, chocolate)
This is a fun snack mix to make! I'll post the recipe as another post for easy reference.

And that's that. This is a pretty vanilla lunch compared to most, so don't worry - it'll get better. We have found some cool foods that you might not have considered. As I keep making lunches, more and more new foods came to my attention. So stick around!