The Magic of the Bento Box
Packing lunches has been a part of our daily routine for as long as I can remember. Early on, we started using kids’ bento boxes—and honestly, I can’t say enough good things about them.
Not only do the compartments make it easy to pack a variety of foods, but they also naturally encourage balanced lunches. Now that my kids are getting older, I’ve handed over much of the responsibility to them. With a little guidance and a simple formula, they’re able to pack their own lunches—and it’s been a game-changer.
Here’s the formula we use:
Protein + Carb + Vegetables + Fruit + Fun Treat
Protein (Pick 1)
Meat sticks
Cheese sticks or cubes
Sandwiches
Almonds
Nut butter
Energy balls
Hummus
Dried chickpeas
Carbs
Crackers
Pretzels
Pita chips
Mini muffins
Vegetables
Pre-chopped cucumbers
Snap peas
Baby carrots
Sliced peppers
Celery sticks
Fruit
Pre-washed berries
Clementines
Apple sauce pouches (a great backup when fresh produce runs low)
Fun Treats
Apricots with a sprinkle of chocolate chips
Goji berries
Unreal M&M’s
Seasonal chocolate kisses
Bunny grahams
Trail mix with a touch of chocolate
Tips for Success
Make items accessible: Keep pantry snacks and lunchbox accessories stored low so kids can grab what they need easily.
Prep ahead: Pre-wash and chop fruits and veggies so they’re ready to grab and go.
Teach the formula: Walk your kids through the simple formula (Protein + Carb + Veggie + Fruit + Treat) so they feel confident making choices.
Handing over the reins to my kids has made lunch prep smoother and given them a sense of independence. Plus, they enjoy choosing their own foods (within the framework I’ve set) and are more likely to eat what they’ve packed.
If you’ve been hesitant to involve your kids in lunch prep, start small. Even something as simple as letting them choose their snacks or portion out fruit can make a big difference.
What are your favorite kid-friendly lunch ideas? I’d love to hear them in the comments!
