Meal Guidelines and Suggestions
Whether your little one just transitioned to solid foods or your four-year-old is going through a texture phase, we know no-one worries more about their little belly more than you. Brooke and I totally get it, raising toddlers ourselves, we understand the amount of thought, anxiety, and pressure meal time can pose for parents. At Sprouts, we want you to be able to provide your child with their favorite foods to help them maintain consistency in their diets and the familiar flavors and textures they love.
With all that being said, we also understand that meal prep and planning take time and for many of us, it’s time we would rather be spending on other things. Therefore, we have provided you with some suggestions for those, “I’m outta ideas” kind of situations. As you may already know, the state has strict guidelines as to what must be included in a child’s meal, therefore, you can rest assured that our suggestions meet those requirements. Our suggestions are also designed with the knowledge that we are unable to heat or refrigerate food. The true test, however, will be the moment the lunch lands on their plate.
Ideas using a thermos:
Don’t forget a bowl and spoon for liquids!
Suggestion 1:
Chicken Noodle Soup, Simply pre-heat the soup and transfer it to a thermos. This soup meets the nutritional requirements for protein, grains, vegetables, and fats. To complete their meal, toss in a few apple slices, and don’t forget to include a bowl and spoon… and you are all set!
Suggestion 2:
Mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese, and butter will have your little one rushing to the dinner table! Throw in some fresh fruit, a fruit cup or a fruit pouch to complete this meal. Preheat the potatoes and transfer them to the thermos, The thermos will keep the cheese melty and delicious. Simply include a bowl and spoon to complete this filling lunch.
Suggestion 3:
Kick Mac-n-cheese up a notch by adding peas and diced hot dogs. Partner it with some of the fruit options above and you’re done!
Other items that you can keep warm in a thermos include; chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, pizza, hot dogs… pretty much anything you can cut up and fit in there!
Not a fan of the thermos? It’s totally cool…. what about an ice pack?
Suggestion 1:
Yogurt! That’s right, include a separate container of granola, honey, and fruit such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries and you have a tasty treat. To top off this breakfast, add a hard-boiled egg and you’ve done it again.
Suggestion 2.
Cottage cheese is one of our personal favorites,! Adding pineapple makes for a healthy start to any meal. Pack a salad with finely chopped peppers and carrots with a preferred dressing (in a side container). If you want to be real extra… add some quinoa in there too.
Suggestion 3.
Nut-free hummus with pita chips is always a great snack if you want to really mix things up! Carrots and celery are also a perfect dipping pair. Just include a cheese stick and some fruit you will meet all the state requirements.
Here is a few room temp. options as well.
Suggestion 1:
A deli wrap made with a flour tortilla, sliced cheese, deli meat, lettuce, and your choice of condiment, rolled up and sliced pairs well with a preferred fruit.
Suggestion 2:
For a DIY lunch-able, stack sliced cheese, pepperoni, and crackers. Add some carrot sticks in Ranch with cucumbers or pickles and your little one might come home with an empty lunch box!
Suggestion 3:
Canned chicken or tuna salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and ritz crackers is another favorite in our home.
We hope this provides you with some easy, delicious, and nutritious meal ideas for your child. Please don’t forget to cut the food into appropriate bite-sized pieces to reduce the risk of choking. Oh, and just in case you walk out the door without the lunchbox, a supplemental meal is available for purchase for a $4 fee. Be sure to see the director for more information.
