This post is sponsored by the National Processed Raspberry Council.
Back to School time is here and therefore, so is daily lunch prep. I’ve shared before how I don’t really enjoy packing lunches. Shocker, I know.
My oldest is starting kindergarten this fall, which I’m sort of *read: definitely am* freaking out about. I’m trying to play it cool, but inside I am emotional about this next big step. I am not resistant to it, I just can’t believe my little guy is now more of a big guy. If I could claim a super cheesy title for this month it would be “Boy Meets World”. (I loved that show by the way.)
Now that my son is experiencing the real world, with older kids and a plethora of foods at the lunch table, I wonder if he will veer from the desire for his standard lunch. I hope that maybe his world will open up to all the other amazing lunch combinations out there besides just ham and cheese.
To avoid the mental overwhelm that I know will hit me the first week of school, I’ve begun prepping for lunches. This past week I went shopping and started stocking up on healthy snacks so I am ready to go on day 1. The pressure already feels less and I’m a little proud of myself for planning so far ahead.
Another way I am prepping for school lunches is through a partnership with the National Processed Raspberry Council. They challenged me to create 5 Bento style lunchboxes featuring frozen raspberries and I had so much fun coming up the ideas.
Bento boxes are awesome to use for lunches because they create less trash and make it easier to pack. You simply fill the holes!
You may not think frozen raspberries are for school lunches, but after this video, I think I will have you convinced otherwise. Check it out:
Here’s a breakdown of each box:
Bento #1
Lunchbox – Bentgo (click these links to find where to purchase the boxes)
- Razzy Ranch Dip – My boys LOVED this dip. I will be making this on a regular basis because it ensured that veggies were eaten.
- Grilled Chicken Strips – I bought all-natural, already cooked chicken strips and microwaved before packing. These taste great and take very little time.
- Cucumbers – I used the baby cucs. You can typically buy these in a bag.
- Whole grain crackers – I love the mini Triscuits. They are a fun size for little hands and fit better in the bentgo than the larger ones.
- Cheese Circle – Any type of cheese here works. It’s cheaper to buy a bar of cheese and cut it yourself. No shame there.
Bento #2
Lunchbox – Modetro box
- Raspberry Crush and Almond Butter Sandwich – Simply swirl raspberry crush into the almond butter. I also suggest using a hearty bread for this so it holds up well. My son ate this the day after filming with no complaints of sogginess.
- Veggies and hummus – If your kids aren’t hummus fans, use whatever dip they do like.
Bento #3
Lunchbox – Ecolunchbox
- Raspberry Chia Pudding – In a leak-proof container, shake together 1 cup raspberry crush, 1 cup of milk of choice, 1/3 cup chia seeds, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1-2 tbsp maple syrup. Let sit in fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Carrot Chips – This particular shape of carrots seem to go over better with my boys then baby carrots.
- Guacamole to go – These single serve packs are perfect in a more open bentgo box like this. It stays put and can handle the tossing around that likely happens with a kid’s lunchbox.
- Whole grain crackers
Bento # 4
Lunchbox – Bentgo
- Raspberry Energy Balls – I used this recipe for my video and I really liked them. I actually think they taste better the longer they sit.
- Hard boiled egg
- Cherry tomatoes
- Chocolate chips
- Love note
Bento #5
Lunchbox – 4 compartment Lunchbots
- Frozen raspberries
- Vanilla yogurt of choice
- Granola of choice
- Nut butter (to mix in)
Do any of these combos sound like a winner for you? Leave a comment and let me know what you will try OR let me know your favorite bento lunch.
And be sure to head over to the National Processed Raspberry Council’s Facebook page for a fun lunchbox giveaway later on this month!
Here’s to less stress and more yummy, healthy food for lunches!
We got this,
