Keeping lunches fun with #AnniesHomegrown #AD

Sponsored Post:  This post is sponsored by Annie's Homegrown but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

One of the most common Back to School complaints I hear from other moms: School lunches.  Sure it is a lot easier to just let them buy lunches at school, but I mean, have you seen some of the things they serve up in the schools?  And it's not cheap either.  I have been blessed with boys who have a healthy appetite.  And by healthy I mean they like to eat not only what is good for them, but a lot of it.  Growing boys, I tell you! Thankfully they are not to picky, love to try new things and they are great about making good food choices.

I have learned a few things over the last 7 years of packing lunches.  First being that you have to pick your battles. You have to be creative.  And sandwiches everyday, gets old really fast so try to mix it up every now and then.  Tip:  Wrap your sandwiches in wax paper.  This will help keep the sandwich fresher.  Annie's has some great Lunch Box ideas if you need some inspiration!

My Middle Schooler packs a little bit of everything. 

After the first few times, that Anthony came home from Kindergarten with a barely touched lunch, I decided I would let him help pack his own lunches and see how that went.  I told him that he could pick what he wanted for his "main lunch" and then let him pick out a few sides.  Sides being fruits, veggies or dairy.  And of course a treat too.  Over the years, lunch has gotten easier.  When Alex started school, he just fell right into our little lunch routine.

Packed by my 7 year old.  Turkey and Lettuce Wraps and Annie's Cheddar Bunnies.

Every weekend we go grocery shopping and we get a variety of things for them to pick from. Tip: Before the week starts, get your prep done.  Cut fruits and veggies and put them in single serving containers or baggies. Combine the pantry snacks in a container that they can pick out of easily. Variety is key! I have tried to teach them to make healthy choices when it comes to their snacks.  Thankfully I'm not the only one on a mission to give my kids healthier options that still taste great.  We have fallen in love with Annie's.

Like their certified organic yogurts.  Made with whole milk and filled with organic berries and bananas.  No artificial colors, flavoring or high fructose corn syrup.  They are low in sugar and still taste great!  Plus, Calcium!  This mom approves!  Tip:  Pop these tubes into the freezer first thing in the morning or overnight. Then when you add them to your lunch box, they will not only act as an extra ice pack but by lunch they will be ready and still cold.

And the new Chewy Granola Bars are great!  They are everything they say they are.  Perfectly chewy and full of chocolates.  They have 8g of whole grains and are the perfect size for the boys.  They are not crumbly so and turns out they are easy to eat in between classes without making a mess.

See!  Lunches don't have to be complicated.  They can be filling, delicious and still be organic and easy.  Show of hands, who packs lunches for their kids?  Hopefully now you have a few more ideas that you can add into your lunches.  A final Tip:  Don't let lunchtime be a struggle. Instead check out Annie's and let them help you find some great tasting and healthy options.  Lunches will never be the same!  Mom and kid approved!