It’s a common pain point of the back-to-school routine: packing lunches.
Though we might typically dread this step on a busy morning, we’re sharing some mouth-watering inspiration – and easy hacks – to help you reimagine the process. (Think: sous chefs and make-ahead options!)
We’ve enlisted Catherine McCord, the talented founder of Weelicious, to help. The California mom of three is on a mission to make sure kids enjoy healthy food through beautiful presentation. Even we adults eat with our eyes, so it makes sense that colors, shapes, and textures all play a role in making sure kids empty their lunchboxes. After all, full bellies fuel growing bodies and minds.
But before you roll your eyes, we’re taking the intimidation out of the process. Grab a cookie cutter and your imagination and you might be surprised at how easy it is… and your kids will likely jump in to create their own favorite combinations!
Enjoy Catherine’s gorgeous pics for inspiration and her Top 5 Tips for healthy school lunches:
- “Making lunch fun is the best way to make sure it gets eaten,” says Catherine McCord, “which is why I love Rice Cracker ‘Face’ Sandwiches and cucumber stackers.”
- “You can get creative and even let your kids join in on the prep,” suggests Catherine. Just one example: “decorating the face or using their favorite cookie cutters for the stackers!”
- “Using cookie cutters for Monogram Sandwiches is a total game changer! Pair it with a homemade fruit leather and plenty of other yummy fruits and vegetables.”
- Take notice: kids eat with their eyes! “I like to focus on bright colors, interesting textures and great taste,” Catherine suggests, “to make sure lunch is exciting, healthy and filling!”
- “A Rainbow School Lunch will for sure get your kids eating tons of good-for-them vegetables and fruits!” One of Catherine’s go-to options: “a side of rainbow fruit (raspberries, peaches, green grapes and blackberries) along with colorful peppers and a delicious fig.”
For more lunchbox options, cooking videos, and recipes, head to weelicious.com. And make sure to tag #thelocalmomsnetwork if you give any of these recipes a try – we can’t wait to see what you create!
