If you or your child depend on home-packed meals to fuel yourselves through the day, sometimes it’s nice to break free from the usual sandwich. We’ve all seen pre-made Lunchables in the stores; they’re fun, especially for kids. What if there was a way to make DIY Lunchables that were just as fun as the store-bought versions?
Even adults can appreciate the occasional pre-packed meal kit, especially at work. Charcuterie is all the rage these days, so who wouldn’t delight in their own little Charcuterie board to go? Unfortunately, the cost of these little kits adds up, and parents also want to make sure they contain the nutrients kids need. Here are some ideas for making inexpensive, healthy DIY Lunchables.
Invest in Bento Boxes
Bento boxes aren’t new; they’ve been around for generations among working-class adults and schoolchildren in Japan. Western cultures have started to notice and realize how clever these handy little personal lunch boxes are, and many compartmentalized single-meal lunch boxes are available on the market in Western countries today. You can find bento boxes for any budget and need; many are child-friendly, and there are large, elaborate ones for adults.
Bento boxes are traditionally prepared at home to express love for a family member, so both the nutritional value and presentation of the food are considered. For example, a parent may cut bread out in the shape of a teddy bear for a child. Many times, a meal may come with a loving message inside. A home-packed bento box makes it much more personal than a store-bought Lunchable.
Nutrition Content Control
As parents, we wonder about what we serve our children. While we’re not disparaging store-bought Lunchables in any way, it’s nice to have control over what they put into their growing bodies. For working adults, DIY Lunchables can provide two things: portion control and nutrition control. It’s easy to be tempted by the local fast food joint or pricy lunch counter. For food safety, store-bought Lunchables are loaded with nitrates and preservatives. By making your own at home, your choices are only limited by what you can fit in your bento box. By making DIY Lunchables, you can incorporate more fresh fruits, vegetables, high-quality meats and cheeses.
Assembling Your Lunchable: How to Save Time and Money
Buying high-quality items in bulk or on sale means savings in your wallet and more nutritional content. Meats and cheeses can be frozen if need be. Do you or your child enjoy Lunchables with crackers, ham, and cheese? Buy a box of round crackers, cut ham and cheese ahead of time, add a cut-up apple, and perhaps add a small sweet treat to make a delectable little meal.
Cutting up a few days’ worth of meat and cheese ahead of time and packing the lunch the night before can save time. You don’t have to be a professional food stylist to make it fun for your child. Got cookie cutters? Cut out shapes in meat, cheese, or bread for fun mini sandwiches. The scraps can reused as salad toppings or ingredients for home meals.
Make It Fun
Tap into your creativity! Try a DIY fajita kit with mini steak strips and mini tortillas. Instead of a stack of cheese, use baby bel cheese. Try a European lunch theme with a small baguette, Buche de Chevre cheese, and some grapes. Make it fun, wholesome, and a welcome escape from the daily grind.
The Final Takeaway
DIY Lunchables don’t have to be difficult, stressful, or expensive. Once you see how to assemble one, you’ll see how easy it is. In the long run, you’ll save money while having more control over nutrition. Continue to be inspired by getting ideas on Pinterest and magazines; the possibilities are endless. You may never want to pack an ordinary sandwich again.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? Total Apex covers everything from thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you want to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to “Respect The Hustle!” Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
