Back to School Lunch Ideas

This post was sponsored on behalf of CLIF Kid via One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own.

Rock the lunch box and have your kid fueled in mind and body with these wholesome back to school lunch ideas.

It’s here.  I’d like to say I didn’t see this coming, but that wouldn’t be true.  I could have planned a little better, but how does one really prep themselves for a six am alarm clock?  School.  Bleh. And, I’m not even the one going.

Given my hatred of early mornings, I do everything I can to prep the night before.   And then cross my fingers that my husband will let me sleep in.  Usually he does, God bless him.

Besides laying out my son’s clothes, signing any paperwork, and prepping his back pack, the biggest help is to prep lunch and snack the night before.

When it comes to lunches, I don’t go “all out.”  I’m not making minion-themed bento box styled lunches, and I’m not making homemade kale-hummus with quinoa puffs in hope of impressing the teacher with my awesomeness.  I’m just not that awesome, so why pretend.  I will however, make sure my boys have healthy lunches, and on the first week(s) of school put a little extra effort in to make them smile.

What makes my boys smile?  CLIF Kid Bars (which they’ve dubbed camping bars, as their first introduction to them was on a recent camping trip) and sushi.  Yep, sushi.

Unfortunately, I opted out of Sushi Chef 101 in College.  Totally kidding; that didn’t exist.  Plus, I’m sure I don’t have the skillz.  I can, however, make a mean order of sandwich sushi, and my kids totally dig it.  Here’s how you do it:

First trim the crusts off the bread.  But, save them!  Freeze them, then the next time you need bread crumbs, chop ’em up in a food processor!

 

Next, mush the edges of two slices of bread together and roll flat.

 

Top with Peanut Butter and Jelly, leaving a little space on each end.

Roll and go!

Here’s another Sandwich Sushi option featuring deli meat, cucumber and cheese, with mayo!

 

Pretty simple, right?

But, let’s be honest… the toughest choice?  Which CLIF Kid Bar to choose?!?!

I’m stashing these in their backpacks for snack.  In 2nd grade, lunch is super early and recess is at the end of the day, so I need to make sure he’s got the right snack to keep him going.  CLIF Kid Zbar Protein is a nutritious and delicious snack made with organic whole grains and 5 grams of protein for kids’ growing bodies.  But, for peanut-free classrooms, CLIF Kid Zfruit might be the best option which makes it easy for kids to eat organic fruit snacks anytime, anywhere.

Which CLIF Kid Bar are you most excited to throw in for your kid’s snack this year?