Wendy's blog

Hey y'all! If you are attempting the Bento lunchbox movement with me, check out the latest copy of Parent's magazine. They have a group of lunch ideas in "Laptop Lunch boxes" that I think could easily be converted to Bentos, depending on how creative you are. And also, check out Wendy's latest blog over at Wendolonia! She posted a blog about lunch ideas since Wyatt is on his preschool summer break.

And to add ideas to her list, here are some of Gracie's favorites:

Carbs/Tummy-fillers
pasta — I have not tried this yet, but Gracie loves pasta salad so I may attempt that one night when we have pasta salad for dinner-just send her with leftovers
cereal bars — Nabisco has something new called a "fruit crisp" bar, and Gracie loves the apple one!

Fruits

Vanilla yogurt raisins

Veggies
Salad - okay so it's not "classic" Bento, but Gracie loves salad - so last week I sent her with one and she ate everything but the chicken!

Proteins

Beef Jerky sticks - okay so not the healthiest of choices but Gracie loves them, and what can they hurt when given in moderation?

Dairy

Babybel cheeses — this is on Wendy's list, but I want to encourage other parents. If your child likes something (i.e., cheese) try giving them different varieties to explore.
I attempted the "Laughing Cow" wedges in Wendy's bento examples because they fit nicely and are convenient, but Gracie doesn't like them. At all. She does, however, like the original Baybel cheese. This gives them different options when you use cheeses, so they aren't stuck eating the same old kind each time you pack a lunch.