What's For Lunch?

[Dia Minha]

Sometimes I feel like I am starving my little ones, because we don't eat lunch. We have several snacks throughout the morning and into the afternoon, but never get around to lunch. I realize this isn't all bad, because our snacks consist of fruit, veggies, or airpopped popcorn.

Yet, I still think lunch would be better. So what do you eat for lunch? What do your little ones eat? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dia

[bookworm]

We are the boringest lunchers ever, I think. We eat tuna sandwiches (I like mine grilled with lettuce), or scrambled egg sandwiches, or turkey or grilled cheese or sometimes good old pb & j. My favorite lunches are when we have left over greek food or frozen egg rolls (I know, not very healthy, so they are a once-in-a-while treat for lunch). We frequently eat left overs- spaghetti, raviolis, etc.

[natickgirl]

My kids love grilled cheese sandwiches & tomato soup, mac & cheese (made with lowfat milk & little butter), "lunchables" made with crackers, cheese & cut up meat, leftovers (I call it "clean out the fridge"). They also like a lot of not-so-healthy options such as ramen noodles, hot dogs, spaghettios, etc. Of course, it's all served w/fruits & veggies.

[5ft Diva]

This was a good thread to start, Dia, as I have the same problem. These are good ideas, too. I just ask my kids what they are in the mood for and it's usually a sandwich or spaghettios or leftovers.

[Erudite]

OH! I could scream over this one. My 4yo asks for exactly the same thing, day after day after day after ....you get the idea. He always wants a cheese crisp (flour tortilla with melted cheese) with pepperonis and a top (another flour tortilla). And 'Mato soup. Now, I like the topped cheese crisp with pepperoni, but EVERY DAY???? I like tomato soup, but EVERY DAY???? He won't eat much else, so even if I offer other foods, they don't get eaten. Oh I get him to eat apples and oranges....carrots if there's ranch to dip them in, but other than that it's cheese crisp and 'mato soup. He'd eat it for breakfast if I let him. I do offer a variety and don't let him eat it every day, but it's like 3 times a week...do you all get to the point where you just give in and say, whatever...at least it's easy, because they don't eat what you fix anyway? Drives me CRAZY!

Me...I eat leftovers and a salad and a piece of fruit. Nice, simple, healthy.

On a side note...my Mom was here last week and I was cleaning up some spilled something and noticed that the side of the counter had some dried up spills as well, so I cleaned that too, with the question: "Why is it that only Moms notice this kind of thing?" She just laughed and laughed...Moms!

[Erudite]

Guess I had to vent that. Thanks for listening. Since I'm aware that he's going to ask for the same thing, I've started trying to think of ways to get the fiber and nutrient he needs...since there's not much in the above mentioned meal.

Instead of the flour tortillas with pepperoni, I do a grilled cheese sandwhich on whole wheat bread with ham. He likes that just as well and it's better for him. And I do try to add apple or orange slices or a bowl of applesauce to the meal as well. I stay away from too much fruit juice. He won't drink milk, so I add a string cheese or a yogurt for snacks to compensate.

I try. I just wish they'd all try with me, you know?

[5ft Diva]

Yes, cheese sticks and yogurt are a favorite snack around here as well!

[Dia Minha]

Many great ideas ladies. I usually do leftovers as well. However, lately there just doesn't ever seem to be any. I think my family is growing. I'm still trying to feed three under the age of five, when in reality I have 5 under the age of 10. So last night I doubled my recipe from what I usually make and we ate more than half at dinner, but there was still plenty for DH to take to work and enough for me and my girls for lunch.

One thing that occurred to me is, to take out a serving or two and put it directly into the fridge, before serving the family. Sometimes I think we just keep eating since it is there, but we won't miss it, if it is gone. So next time I caculate that there should be leftovers, but am worried there won't be, I'm going to take my lunch out first.

I don't eat bread or lunchmeat and the kids don't like sandwiches (yeah I know weird) so sandwiches are kind of out for us. I also can't keep ready to eat things like raviolis, spaghettios, frozen pizzas, or the like on hand, because I find they are to convient for me to devour during a binge. That is one reason lunch is so hard. I need something quick and easy to fix for the kids, but can't have any quick and easy to eat in my house or it becomes danger to me. Some day it won't be a danger, but for now it is, so that is just the way it has to be.

I'll just keep working on the leftovers, because that is what seems to work the best.

Thanks for getting me thinking.

Dia

[5ft Diva]

This does pose a problem. I'll put my thinking cap on and try and think of quick and easy but not easy and convenient. I know your family likes Ramen noodles. Not sure about you. I don't know if it's a convenient food for you, but the frozen meals aren't too bad and their portions aren't huge. You can get them on sale at a decent price sometimes. They'd be good for variety....

[Dia Minha]

Thanks Diva. I do like beef Ramen noodles, but I hate chicken. So if I stock up on the chicken, I'm ok. My older kids and my youngest will eat them, but my 4 year old won't. Of course she doesn't eat anything, but popcorn and frozen berries. But I know she will eat anything if she is hungry enough. Oh, I mis-spoke, she will eat them, but only raw and raw Ramen noodles make a big mess, so I have to be in a good mood in order for that to happen.

We have been having a lot of soup lately. There have been some good sales and I have had coupons. I just start worrying about the sodium content.

I'm not trying to be one of those people that you try and help and come back with a reason why they can't do that every time you have a suggestion. You ladies have reminded me of a lot of things that I know we have done in the past and I need to try again. I just added a little bit more of why lunch is so hard, because I thought that my solution of making sure there are leftovers, might help someone else. So don't think you aren't helping, because you are.

Dia

[runamyrun]

We eat a lot of the things already listed, but here are a few that aren't. One of my favorite things to eat is a homemade bean burrito, and my kids love it too! I just get a tortilla, add refried beans, a little cheese, and whatever veggies I feel like eating. During the summer I load it up with home grown tomatoes, and it is so yummy! It is also low fat, has fiber, protein, calcium plus all of the vitamins from the veggies.

My daughters aren't fans of this (my son likes it), but sometimes I crave salad. And I will cut up a little bit of meat to make it a little more substantial.

We also love wraps. They are basically like a sandwich, but on a tortilla. Sometimes I add a little bit of ranch dressing to add flavor, but you could use a small amount for less fat and calories. The nice thing about these is that you can load up with a lot of veggies if you want. Or you can make a pizza flavored one.

Some days, like today, we just take it easy and eat yogurt, a piece of toast with peanut butter, and some fruit (we didn't actually eat this well today!).

Good luck with coming up with ideas. I think lunch is the hardest meal. I don't really want to cook, but sandwiches get boring.

[5ft Diva]

Mmmm....I like your ideas, Amy.