Ah, lunchboxes. Isn't it funny how we start the year with such good intentions. Only to be beaten down slowly by every un-eaten sandwich and lost lunchbox. How in term 1 our shiny bento-filled panda themed lunches become a paper bag with a whole apple and a packet of chips by term 4. When I only had one at school (and one at preschool) I found I could keep on top of lunchboxes. Staggering the days with a few lunch orders here and there and top-up-shops when needed. Life was good.
But now, with two at school (and one at preschool) I find myself looking at the ominous task of packing;
3 x full lunchboxes
3 x recess
2 x crunch and sip
And to also be prepared for the hangry afternoon tea onslaught and of course breakfast and dinner, too. It’s a lot of food and a lot of organisation. My mornings are stressful, there's yelling. But it got me thinking, SUERLY there's got to be another way?!
So I managed to find a system that worked. It saves me money, time and I find myself not being nearly as frazzled each morning. And that brings me to my first point, I’m not a packing lunches in the morning anymore - but wait don’t close the page just yet (who even am I?). I still pack some components in the morning and this is all very achievable.
So here’s the plan. It’s simple, sustainable and it works. Please let me know if you try it and how it works for you. You may even be able to improve on it!
1. Grocery shop
Do this on a Sunday arvo or have it delivered then - this means you aren't failing from the get-go when the delivery rocks up 30 minutes after the bus on a Monday morning. Choose seasonal produce that is on sale and SAVE! Or if it suits you better, Monday could be lunch order day and you can do your shop then.
I am all for a home-delivered grocery shop. However, I find that I can get the best, most affordable fruit and veg in-store, from the daily specials. So if you need to be frugal - this is a good tip.
2. Veggie dump box
Wash, peel and chop your veggies. Place them in a plastic container with around 1cm of water in it. Cover with paper towel then the lid and store in the fridge. These veggies last me 3-4 days like this.
Our favourites are:
- Capsicum
- Carrot
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Beans
- Snow peas
- Watermelon
- Rockmelon
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Muffins (mini)
- Slice (SO many good slices in both of our books)
- Biscuits
- Tiny teddies
- Scrolls (a super simple 2 ingredient one in Raising a healthy eater)
- Bliss balls
- Doughnuts
- Anzac biscuits
- Tuna/mayo/celery
- Chicken/mayo/celery
- Ham and cheese
- Salami and cheese
- Salad
- Cucumber and butter
- Wraps
- Sausage rolls
- Meatballs
- Chicken and halloumi balls
- BBQ chicken
- Vegetable burgers
- Sausages
- Risotto balls
- Pastry squares
- Veggie tartlets
- Pasta (amazing lunchbox pasta salad in Raising a healthy eater)
- Scrolls (as mentioned we love the 2-ingredient scroll recipe in Raising a healthy eater)
- Mini pizza
- Zucchini slice
- Zucchini and apple bread (in Boosting your basics)
- Fritters
- Popcorn
- Multigrain chips
- Yogurt or custards
- Mini chocolate bar
- Rice crackers
- Seaweed
- Dried cereal
- Dried fruit
- Fruit cups
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