We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Kid Lunches

stephanieogle35
stephanieogle35 Posts: 50
edited January 23 in Food and Nutrition
I am a SAHM and do in-home daycare for several additional kids each day. As my husband and I have changed our lifestyles and been losing weight this year, our kids are adapting very well along with us. DH and I have lost nearly 75lbs between us to date :) One of my biggest NSVs is offering my kids, and my daycare kids, healthier options. I find it's not hard to offer them reasonably healthy breakfasts. We do a lot of cold cereal, oatmeal, yogurt and fruit. I'm satisfied with this.

But lunches are harder for me. The kids like your typical pre-school stuff: PB&J, hot dogs, mac n cheese, chicken nuggets etc. As a result, this is pretty common for their lunches, with the big difference being what I feed them on the side. Now instead of nuggets & fries, they may get nuggets, apple slices and string cheese. I don't often provide veggies for the kids, because they're all so particular about which veggies they will/won't eat, and I feel like that's a battle for their parents to fight. But I like to provide them with a fruit and often some cheese or yogurt on the side.

What I'm wondering is, what are some less-processed options you find that your kids like? The kids I feed range in age from 22 months to 6 years old. Easy is better (hence the nugget/hotdog/sandwich variety my kids often get). Like I said, I'd just really like to provide them with some less-processed, slightly healthier options, even if only a couple times a week. I have no problem with the kids eating a hot dog on occasion, but I'm in need of some healthy variety. Thanks!

Replies

  • insectt
    insectt Posts: 6 Member
    My daughter is 10 and of Jan 2013 we started a whole foods and organic lifestyle. It was and still is and not without battles but as a parent you stick to your guns no matter the tantrums.

    Some examples for lunch:
    almond butter/raw honey sandwhich on whole wheat
    smashed cauliflaur (resembles mashed potatoes)
    low fat cottage cheese

    chocolate almond milk/strawberry/banana smoothie
    spinach salad topped with hard boiled egg/plain shrimp or chicken/olives (or veggies your children do like) and extra virgian olive oil/vinegar

    also google healthy recipes for kids. Lots of inspiration out there!
  • JennBrenn81
    JennBrenn81 Posts: 3 Member
    I also am a sahm and I'm a licensed provider! I also do not do much veg as the kids do not eat it. In the last two weeks we just started a better diet for all. I am having some lunch problems as well, kids are picky!
    Last week we did pb&j on wheat
    Turkey and cheese on wheat grilled
    Hot dogs (no Mac and cheese as usual)
    From there I was really stuck. I'm so use to grabbing something out of the freezer and fixing it. My snacks include fresh fruit(which I also serve with lunch) yogurt, cheese, nuts, raisins, fresh fruit smoothies, and trail mix. No more cookies! I can't wait to hear more quick ideas!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories