Healthy Kitchen Hacks #22 – Back to School Lunch Edition

#Healthy Kitchen Hacks -Back to School Lunch Edition:
*Dietitian’s Favorite Lunch Boxes* *Clever Way to Pack Apple Slices* *Cool Lunch Cracker Stackers* *How To Slice Watermelon for Packing* *How To Safely Pack Hot Lunches*

Whether you’ve already been into the school lunch routine for a few weeks or are dreading getting ready to get back into the habit next week (like this mom), these hacks aim to help take the drudge out of packing that lunch day after day.

(And if you have any tips/hacks that work for you, PLEASE share in the comments below – we can never get enough help in this department – ha!)

1) Dietitian’s Favorite Lunch Boxes For Kids
via Sally @Real Mom Nutrition

When Sally speaks/posts, I listen/read because she always has down-to-earth advice and tips on feeding kids via her relatable (which means sometimes humorous or frustrating or successful or often all of the above) experiences feeding her two boys. Here’s her top picks on best lunch boxes for little and big kids that make packing a healthy – and one that will get eaten – lunch easier.

2) A Clever Way to Pack Apple Slices
via Katie @Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

Some of my favorite hacks are the most basic like this tip from Katie on How to Pack Apple Slices for Lunch using a common household item.

3) Make Cracker Stackers for a Cool School Lunch

Last week, Serena shared her favorite less mess, super quick, go-to school lunch to pack: Crackers Stackers! She shares tips on choosing a healthy cracker and “stacking” combinations. You and your kids can get creative on what to pack – this is one lunch they won’t say is boring.

4) How To Pack Watermelon For School Lunch Boxes
via Sarah @A Thrifty Mom

This handy hack is a fun way to serve watermelon at picnics and so I figured it was also a convenient and space-saving way to pack watermelon for school lunch. Sarah shows step-by-step photos on how to cut watermelon sticks for little hands.

5) How To Safely Pack Hot Lunches (That Stay Hot!)
via Laura @MOMables

In the past, I’ve struggled with keeping that mac n’ cheese warm enough (and at a safe temperature) for my daughter’s packed lunch. Laura has a comprehensive post on which thermoses work best to keep packed lunch hot and safe to eat.

Is it a bit sad that I’m down right giddy about how these hacks will help expand the packed lunch possibilities for the upcoming school year in my household? (In my mind at least – we’ll see what dear daughter thinks.)

Would you try any of these hacks? Do you have healthy kitchen or healthy living shortcuts to share? Shoot us an email ([email protected] or [email protected] ) or share below and we’ll try them out.