LUNCHTIME INSPIRATION FROM A MOM & COOKBOOK AUTHOR BROOKE PARKHURST

The Mom & Co-Author of ‘JUST MARRIED & COOKING’Shares Her Super Secrets for Making Lunch Time Fun for Kids

Lunchtime is an important part of the school day for kids. It’s when they are getting the fuel from food necessary to finishing their studies. It’s also a time when social interaction has kids making friends and often sharing their lunches. Just in time for back-to-school season, we have one of the top mom-cooking experts in the country to provide lunchtime inspiration for parents.  Brooke Parkhurst, co-author of “JUST MARRIED & COOKING”, will explained how to provide creative lunches that will put a smile on the face of your family. Brooke will provides timely suggestions that will turn lunchtime into a fun-time for your family!

A WINNING SNACK FOR SCHOOL
It can be a long time between breakfast and school lunches, so packing a snack is very important. A hungry kid has a harder time paying attention and learning, that's why I pack these ZonePerfect Kidz nutrition bars. They’re packed with the essential vitamins, minerals and protein children need to fuel an active lifestyle, making them the perfect lunchtime snack. And they come in three nutritious and tasty flavors: Chocolate Cupcake, Yellow Cupcake and Sugar Cookie. They’re so yummy, parents will want to eat them, too. The bars are perfect for busy days or as after-school snacks; they fit right in to kids’ active schedule. For more information, visit: www.zonepefect.com
 
MUST-HAVE ITEMS PARENTS SHOULD PURCHASE FOR LUNCHBOXES WHEN SCHOOL’S BACK IN SESSION
ANSWER:  As a busy mom, saving time and making exciting lunches that the kids will enjoy is so important.  That’s why I love Frito-Lay Variety Packs, with favorites like Lay’s, Doritos and Cheetos! Parents can also keep lunches exciting by purchasing Frito-Lay Variety Packs while winning big every hour – because when school’s in parents win. They have a back-to-school contest going on right now — celebrating parents, the unsung heroes of summer. Parents can sign up at Fritolayvarietypacks.com for multiple chances to win prizes every hour. Just submit original inspirational photos and captions sharing your favorite ways to countdown to or celebrate the first day of school. You can also enter in the promo code from specially marked bags. Check out Fritolayvarietypacks.com. The contest ends on September 16th.

 
ROUNDING OUT OUR LUNCHBOX
I like to buy items like fruits, veggies, and cheeses in bulk not only because it helps to save money, but if you keep them in plastic containers it extends the life of the food. Modern plastic packaging helps keep oxygen away—so items like re-sealable bags preserve and keep foods fresher longer. I like to take portions and design fun bento boxes for lunch and pack fresh snacks in reusable plastic pouches for my kids. For more information, visit: plasticsmakeitpossible.com

 
IMPORTANT ON-THE-GO ITEM FOR KIDS
Once the kids are done with lunch it’s important to get the gunk out with an on-the-go flosser that allows their healthy, happy smiles to shine.  My go-to is Plackers which is the nation’s #1 flosser and for good reason—they come in a variety of forms and fun flavors for kids like fruit smoothie swirl. They’re perfect to carry in a lunchbox or a backpack making flossing easily accessible for kids. You can find them at Walmart, Target and most major grocery stores nationwide. For more information, visit plackers.com