Back to School season is officially in full swing! It is time to start thinking about “The Plan”- how are you going to keep your family healthy during the upcoming year? Frankly, finding the perfect solution for your family’s lunch routine can be tricky. And while the National School Lunch Program has greatly improved over recent years, packing a home lunch may still the best way to ensure your children are properly fed.

For the sake of convenience and expense, the obvious entree choice for home lunch is a sandwich or wrap. Sandwiches and wraps are super quick to make, and can be easily modified to accommodate everyone’s taste buds. However, kiddos (like adults) can quickly become bored with meal repetition. Before you settle back into the old go-to turkey sandwich, banana and cookie routine, I want to introduce a quick, convenient way to keep your family’s lunches both nutritious and fun this year.

(Drum roll please)… Introducing Bento Boxes….where convenience meets good nutrition!

Bento box entrees originated in Asian restaurants, allowing customers to sample several menu favorites at once. Bento box lunches are a great way to allow kids to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods and a full spectrum of colors, textures, and flavors all in one meal.

Packing a lunch “Bento Box” style is an easy way to ensure a balanced meal.  A balanced lunch includes foods from the following categories: 1) protein and/or healthy fat, 2) starch or whole grain, 3) fruit, and 4) vegetables. Furthermore, bento box lunches can be easily modified to keep things interesting!

For example (as seen in the picture):

  • Fresh veggies of your child’s choice
  • Fresh blueberries and sliced bananas in vanilla yogurt (the yogurt prevents the bananas from turning brown)
  • Whole Grain Crackers
  • Egg salad
  • Pistachios and dark chocolate chips for dessert

Here are some other ideas:

  • Protein: chicken salad, tuna salad, sliced cheese and meat, hummus, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.
  • Starch: whole wheat pita bread, whole wheat crackers, quinoa salad, rice, potato salad, granola, etc.
  • Fruit: Mixed berries, sliced apples, clementine oranges, fruit cup (in its own juice)
  • Vegetable: small side salad, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese salad, celery with peanut butter
  • Little treats: sugar-free jello, 6 chocolate covered almonds, 6 yogurt covered pretzels, ¼ cup trail mix, etc.

This week’s recipe, Asian Mango, Avocado and Ramen Noodle Salad, is a delicious, kid-friendly, quick lunch option that can be prepared the night before! Enjoy!