HOMES + E A T S
Bento Box Lunch Ideas It’s that time of the year again – back to school. Back to school also means making a plan for back to school lunches!
DANA SHORTT
Owner of Dana Shortt Gourmet & Gifts
Using a “bento box” approach for my sons lunches has helped me tremendously. A variety of small, portioned items helps tempt their appetite and they can graze their way through the day. As to food prep, it’s a visual reminder for me to pack a balanced meal: I mentally label each compartment (protein, carb, fruit & veggies), so all I have to do is fill in the blanks with what I have on hand. The point here is to keep things simple, fresh, and colourful (bonus – bento boxes can be made the night before).
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WHAT TO FILL THE COMPARTMENTS WITH PROTEIN SECTION
CARB SECTION
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32
cubes of cheese mini meatballs deli meat roll-ups (i.e. turkey slice wrapped around a dill pickle) hummus or bean dip hardboiled eggs Greek yogurt scrambled egg wrapped in a slice of ham cubed chicken with bbq sauce for dipping ham and cheese toothpick “kebabs” bacon (serve with waffle sticks) tuna or egg salad
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pasta salad quarter or half a bagel tortilla chips or vegetable chips crackers or pretzels waffle sticks veggie sushi mini pitas or buns popcorn half cob of corn nut free trail mix (dried fruit, seeds, cereal) low sugar, nut free granola bars mini muffins
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SECTIONS I like to pack as much as they will eat! I try to use a wide variety of fruits and veg every week so that they don’t get bored. If you’d like to try making a bento box lunch, pick one up at Fenigo or use paper or silicone muffin cups in regular Tupperware containers to create separate compartments.
