Gosh I get tired of cooking sometimes...I mean I LOVE to cook (haha just typed sook by mistake...oh the irony) but the kids endlessly changing palates exhaust me! Sure lasagna was great LAST week, but THIS week it's disgusting...*sigh*
Anywho, in terms of budget, things are pretty good - food wise - good thing this isn't Project: Incidental Spending O_o
I have decided that without doubt, lunch time causes our budget the most distress. The vast majority of kiddie (and dh) boxes are home cooked and package free. However, sometimes the time required and the ingredient cost makes me wonder if I would be better of buying something 'purpose built' ... often cheaper, always desired, nutritionally funked - and there it is, the deal breaker. Don't get me wrong, my kids are no strangers to non nutritive foods but the school lunch box? sheesh there's just so much judgement there and I do actually want to nourish my kids with the good stuff despite the constant objections!
Did I mention I have a kid who hasn't eaten a lunch box sandwich in 14 years??
Here's what I would like...fresh fruit and vege's, whole grain carbs, dairy, and some protein. What that looks like in terms of what the kids WILL EAT is a constant work in progress.
Maybe these peeps have some ideas:
