Lunch Ideas - Los Angeles,CA

Depending on her maturity - my husband used to say if we cut up anything and skewered it on a toothpick she'd eat it. So we would layer american cheese and baloney into 8-10 layers and cut into cubelike forms with a toothpick. Apples sl;ices with peanut butter was also a hit - and PBJ's cut into long strips or small triangles always went over big. We also used peanut butter with sliced bananas, apples even strawberries on a sandwich. BAsically any sandwich that she otherwise likes, or has become tired of becomes all new when you cut it into different shapes. Like gourmet chefs have always known - it's all about the presentation!

Traveling meals:

Any type of sandiwch. You can get creative here - pb and honey, pb&j, nutella & pb, pb&bananas, ham and cheese, cheese only, etc. Swap out rolls or croissants for the regular bread.

Instead of sandwiches - bring stuff to make cracker sandwiches.

Roll ups - tortillas with meat/cheese in them. Can be served cold or heat them up before you go.

Fruit cups, apple sauce cups, smoothies, etc.

Cup up fruit and veggies, granola or any type of cereal, gogurt or yogurt, pudding, jello, etc.

At home my kids eat a lot of the following items for lunch: (in addition to leftovers)

Ravioli
Sandwiches
Pizza
Tomato soup and grilled cheese
Chicken nuggets
Pizza rolls
Pata
Breakfast

At that age my kids loved cut up hot dogs and cheese cubes, grapes (sliced) and bananas. Also carrot sticks!

Parents magazine had a god article about this a few months ago. They suggested bento box-type lunches with 3-4 things. I like sending fo each snack or lunch a combination of a lean protein, dairy, a fruit or veggie, and a whole grain. But with that, possibilities are endless. Our favorites are hummus on whole wheat toast with bananas and yogurt. Or pesto chicken with whole grain pasta with caprese salad. Or wole wheat mini bagel with strawberries and cream cheese and greek yogurt. Or edamame, brown rice and stir fry beef. Seriously, my 4 yr old and 1 yr old eat this... not all the time, but wen I have time to plan, this is what they get.
Be creative. Anything you would enjoy, have them try it out!

Hi K., I hear you, but are you sure she is bored? My kids are 12 and 16 and they eat the same packed lunches for school everyday and I try and switch it up but they get upset, they WANT their same lunches every day. Go figure...
I did blog about this a while ago if you do want some suggestions:
http://heyyougetreal.com/momblog/how-can-i-feed-a-family-...

Have fun with food and remember, she is 2...boredom is an adult thing...

B.
Family Success Coach