Back to School Lunch Tips and Capri Sun
It is hard to believe it is already back to school time, which means time for school lunch! This can be challenging with different kids liking different things. However, Capri Sun is one item my kids all can agree on.
Many of you know that I have a daughter with Turners Syndrome, which also includes and Autism Spectrum disorder. Kids on the spectrum can be extremely picky when it comes to lunch. When my daughter was younger, she would only drink the Capri Sun Original “with the guy on the mountain bike with smoke coming out of it,” is what she would say. This is the mountain cooler flavor. It was what my daughter loved and I could feel good about giving it to her because Capri Sun has no artificial flavors, colors/dyes, or preservatives.
And guess what? Capri Sun has now made it even easier for moms and dads to see that there are no artificial ingredients used in Capri Sun with the new clear bottom pouch.
I love the variety or choices that are offered by Capri Sun.
We were finally able to get my daughter to branch out and try some of the other varieties. I love that I can get my picky eater to drink Capri Sun Super V Fruit and Vegetable Juice Drink. It is 1 combined full serving of fruit and veggie* and is a good source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, & E! It is a great way for me to sneak in that extra serving.
They even have Capri Sun 100% Juice which is all natural and the Capri Sun Roarin’ Waters fruit flavored water beverage. There is plenty of variety and flavors to appease your picky eater.
Well, I want you to all get started off on the right foot with school lunch as the kids head back to school. So, I have put together a list of tips to help get you going and not get stuck in the lunch rut. No one wants to get stuck in the same old same old!
Here are my Back to School Lunch Tips
Pick a lunch box
Take the kids to the store and let them pick their own lunch box. It can make it so much more exciting to bring lunch from home if the kids love the way they get to take their lunch to school. There are so many fun options out there. Mom or dad need to make sure the choice is functional for what you child likes to bring and is easy to care for.
Involve the kids
Have the kids get involved with planning, making, and/or shopping for the lunch items. They don’t have to be involved in every aspect, but if they are involved with some part of it, they are more likely to eat it.
Think outside the bread
Don’t just rely on regular old sandwich bread for that trusty sandwich. Get creative and swap out the sandwich bread for tortillas, pita bread, mini bagels, slider rolls, mini croissants, or even hot dog buns. Hot dog buns are perfect for making mini sub sandwiches! Develop a rotating menu – once you find items you kids enjoy, develop a 2-4 week rotating menu. It makes it easier to get the shopping done once you have a set plan. Then every few months you can always change it up. Here is a sample of a 1 week menu.
- 1/2 pita filled with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni and pizza sauce
- Easy chicken salad on a mini croissant
- Homemade snack – meat crackers and cheese
- Ham and Swiss cheese sliders on rolls
- Mini turkey and cheddar cheese sub on hot dogs buns
Buy in Bulk
Instead of buying individually packed items for lunch, buy in bulk and package the items yourself. Use snack sized zipper bags to package up items such as pretzels, trail mix, baby carrots, crackers, mini muffins, etc. You can use small plastic containers with lids for items such as canned fruit, applesauce, yogurt, peanut butter, hummus, pudding, etc. Use a square sandwich container to make homemade snacks with squares of cheese, meat, and crackers. This is not only great for lunches, but also great for after school snacks too!
Pack a well-rounded lunch
When packing and planning make sure to include a starch, protein, fruit, veggie, snack, and a drink.
Use lunch to connect with your kids
Pack notes in your kiddos lunch. It can be handwritten or there are many free printables you can find online. It doesn’t have to be every day, but the occasional surprise note from mom wishing them well on the next big test can help build your relationship.
Keep it on ice
Include some way off keeping the lunch chilled in the lunch box which can be done by purchasing a small ice pack, freezing a Capri Sun, or making your own ice pack.
*Each Pouch provides 1/2 cup fruit and vegetable juice, which is one combined serving of fruits and vegetables according to U. S. Dietary Guidelines (3/4 from fruit juice and 1/4 from vegetable juice). Be sure to make most of your fruits and vegetables whole fruits and vegetables.
