Easy Lunchbox Wins from a Mom of Two Picky Eaters
Michelle Cain @chefcainskitchen
It’s the start of a new school year and you’re facing down nine months of empty lunchboxes to fill. The anxiety and overwhelm crowds your brain. Snack packs start flashing through your mind and you try to remember if Pirates Booty is IN or OUT with your kiddo this week. Don’t fret, mama. I got you. I’m a personal chef and former fitness instructor with two picky eaters who refuse to eat school lunch. My oldest is going into fifth grade so I’m going into my eighth year packing school lunch. I’ve got this down to a science.
When it comes to lunchbox packing, there are a few things to keep in mind.
NUMBER ONE: KISS 😘
Keep It Simple, Silly. (Also, a lunchbox note with an I love you and a kissy face goes a long way with little ones). You can scroll through Instagram and see Bento Boxes full of watermelon cut into stars and sandwiches shaped like the Mona Lisa (kidding) and the imposter syndrome kicks in fast. If cutting your kiddos SBJ into the shape of a train works for you, more power to you! However, if your morning routine is already a bit of a train wreck, use this simple formula: protein, carb, veggie and/or fruit plus something sweet or crunchy. Here are a few ideas:
- Sunbutter and jelly on whole wheat bread + apple slices + yogurt dip with honey + goldfish
- Pepperoni and mozzarella string cheese + mini bagel + carrot sticks + strawberry yoggies
- Turkey slices + cheddar cheese squares + cut up tortillas + blueberries + veggie straws
- Shredded rotisserie chicken + leftover pasta + red pepper slices + freeze dried cherries and chocolate chips
NUMBER TWO: Make it age appropriate.
If your kiddo is four or under, make sure all the food is cut appropriately, especially hot dogs, grapes and carrots. Check out this CDC list of choking hazards: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/choking-hazards.html
NUMBER THREE: It’s OKAY if your kid wants the same turkey sandwich and pretzel combo all year long.
School lunch time is filled with lots of chat and time pressure. Some kids thrive with the familiarity of the same lunchbox every day. You can still use meals outside of school for adventure and experimentation. However, if your kid loves variety, this book from Feeding Littles is chock full of easy and attainable ideas. https://feedinglittles.com/pages/lunchbox
👩🍳 If you’re in an adult lunchtime rut and interested in learning more about my meal prep services, you can check out my Instagram @chefcainskitchen or send me an email at michelle.hershman@gmail.com
Michelle Hershman Cain is a personal chef, former FIT4MOM DC owner and mom of two living in Washington DC. As founder of Cain's Kitchen, she creates custom meals and event menus catered to her clients' tastes and needs. Michelle is passionate about making healthy eating feel indulgent and accessible. When she's not in the kitchen, she's walking the Hill with her family, squeezing in strength workouts or combing through her collection of cookbooks.