by Lindsay Weiss posted in Toddlerhood

When it comes to packing preschool or day care lunch, sometimes the hardest part is figuring out what. What to put in those little containers. What won't get sent home uneaten. What is or isn't allowed in the classroom. That what  requires a lot of thinking for a tired mama at 7 a.m.
I often turn to pictures to tell me what to pack. I'm not kidding, I've started snapping quick pics of lunches before I close them up so I can remember what worked without thinking too hard. And I've become incredibly adept at using leftovers in the lunch box, so that food doesn't get wasted in our house. Case in point...lunch #1.
1. Leftover Mac 'n Cheese Lunch
Using up that last cup of mac 'n cheese left over from last night's dinner" Priceless. My kiddo prefers it cold (weird!) but it can go in a thermos for most kids. This meal needed some protein, so I threw in some almonds -- which are allowed at our school -- but some salted edamame could serve the same purpose.
2. Cleaning Out The Veggie Tray
I buy a huge veggie tray every week and we munch on it at dinner if I don't have time to make sides. When it dwindles down to just a few left, I throw it in my little guy's lunch. It is important to note, he WILL NOT TOUCH THESE VEGGIES unless there is ranch dip. Also, for protein he gets pistachios. (If not allowed, sub some edamame or even some peanut butter and more celery for dipping.) For drinks, I alternate between water and juice. I like the Mot...