Comments on Pinch: Packing a Better Bagged Lunch

Susan - that is restrictive, but it sounds like yo...

2009-09-20T14:42:43.200-05:00

Susan - that is restrictive, but it sounds like you've got it under control. Well done!

I wonder if it would be helpful to make a list of options and post it on our refrigerators - maybe it would make mornings a bit easier. I've never been one to prepare lunches the night before, and I rarely am very creative first thing in the morning.

My youngest daughter goes to a preschool that's (1...

2009-09-17T21:18:19.127-05:00

My youngest daughter goes to a preschool that's (1) kosher; (2) meat free and (3) peanut free, so I have to be creative with my lunches. Here are some things that I have either tried or plan on trying to pack for her lunch: lox; homemade muffins; Trader Joe's cereal bars; mac and cheese; couscous; quinoa; the different nut butters; fresh guacomole and chips, and bean tacos.

Thanks for visiting, Bob. I love knowing there's a...

2009-09-15T19:49:29.715-05:00

Thanks for visiting, Bob. I love knowing there's a population of like-minded folks who find appalling the whole idea of sneaking nutrients into children. Modeling appreciation for the taste of fresh-picked or fresh made foods is way more important. Even picky eaters will come around.

Katie-this post was so refreshing, especially the ...

2009-09-15T17:39:08.084-05:00

Katie-this post was so refreshing, especially the part about feeding your kids sprouted wheat bread when they first cut teeth. It seems that more and more kids today are 'picky' eaters. Why? (I have my theories, but since I don't have kids of my own, I keep those to myself.)

And food manufacturers love it. Have you seen that horrifying commercial for PediaSure? "My kid won't eat anything green or anything...blah, blah...so give them PediaSure" Seriously?
http://pediasure.com/Products/ImmuneSupport?utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Brand%252B%252BPediasure%252B2009&grp=Pediasure%252B2009&utm_term=kids%252Bpediasure&utm_content=pediasure&WT.mc_id=pediasure&WT.srch=1

It's scary. Thanks again for your post. I'm passing it on to the mom's I know.

OOH! Add avocado toast/sandwich to the list.

2009-09-15T16:28:23.997-05:00

OOH! Add avocado toast/sandwich to the list.

Well, it matters how strict they are, but my under...

2009-09-15T16:27:01.580-05:00

Well, it matters how strict they are, but my understanding is that meat and dairy just cannot be consumed in the same meal, so a turkey sandwich is fine, just don't add cheese to it - and don't include any dairy in the same lunchbox as the turkey sandwich. My kids won't touch deli meats, so I just left all the meat off my list of suggestions. Here they are:

1. Fruit - whatever the kid enjoys

2. Protein or Main Course - Pick one: yogurt, cottage cheese with fruit or Spike (a healthy seasoned salt), bagel with cream cheese or butter, PB&J or PB & Honey, Tuna with Crackers, Pasta with olive oil and Parmesan (very good at room temperature, or keep warm in a thermos), homemade or healthy, kohser canned soups (in a thermos), hard boiled egg, pizza bagel (warm at home to melt the cheese - good at room temperature - or send an older kid in with fixins), Cheese toast (with a dash of spike) on sprouted wheat bread or english muffin (toast bread, then top with a thin layer of cheese and bake just til melted).

3. Side - hummus with pita chips or veggies, string cheese or cheddar cubes, cut veggies with dip, nuts, cereal (with separate container of milk), crackers (goldfish, pretzels...)

4. Treat - cookies, granola bar, chips, a few M&Ms...

5. Water or water with a splash of juice for flavor.

Let me know if I need to explain any items further. :)

Katie, I have a friend who daughter attends their ...

2009-09-15T13:34:02.011-05:00

Katie, I have a friend who daughter attends their synagogue's preschool and is required to bring a kosher lunch! Healthy lunch packing is hard enough, and the kosher element is stressing my friend out. Any ideas?