Breakfast & Lunch Boards
I Was Sick of Dishes!
I stumbled onto these breakfast and lunch board completely on accident. In all honesty, I was sick of dishes! We had been home for over a week in this lock-down/quarantine and meals were getting pretty boring. I would make lunches, the kids would come out, eat, and go back to play or do some kind of school work. Spirits were low and we were all missing our “normal” routines. I knew the kids were missing the social time at school. I felt bad, but I couldn’t exactly replicate a cafeteria full of kids! :/
So there I was, in the kitchen making everyone’s lunches when I had the idea to pile it all on the cutting board. If I used one big board, no one needed any dishes! I thought I was a genius! Then I realized how many options I could add without making huge portions. So I added a little here, a little there and before I know it, it became this beautifully, yummy crafted lunch board. What came next what amazing!
Gather Round!
After I finished, I called the kids out. They were like little zombies slowly dragging themselves to the table. But when they sat down their sad little eyes lit up as they noticed how different lunch looked. They took inventory of what was on the board. Their excitement grew as they saw some of their favorites but equally didn’t panic when they saw something they didn’t like. They knew we were sharing and it was most likely not “for them”. In fact, because they got to pick whatever they wanted, both boys decided to try guacamole! They saw their big sister eating it and chose to give it a try. They both wanted to like it, but I don’t think they’ll be asking for their own anytime soon lol. It was fun to watch them try it though!
By the end of the meal, our bellies were full and our spirits were high. We laughed and we enjoyed each others company. It was all around a great experience. It was exactly what they needed. A social, relaxed atmosphere. Since then, they request snack boards a couple times a week. Its a way to pause the daily schoolwork grind and come together. We’ve continued to experiment and even did a breakfast board. They’ve never complained because there is always something they enjoy! I hope you will try your very own. Be sure to tag @jzfitcoach and show me your creations! There are so many options and variations you can make 🙂
Board Ideas
Its easy to create your own.Here is how and how we used in our boards.
Left Over Smorgasbord! (Easter left overs)
- 1 1/2 PB&J sandwiches
- 5 ham and cheese crackers
- 1 banana and 4 strawberries cut up & 2 clementines
- 2 celery stacks cut and sliced thin
- “Ants on a Log” – celery with peanut butter and raisins
- Buffalo Dip – went great with celery!
Breakfast Board
- Sunshine in a cup! Packed with vitamin C smoothie- Splash of orange juice, 1 cup almond milk, 2 tbsp organic vanilla yogurt, big handful organic spinach, 1 cup organic strawberries and 1/2 cup pineapple (no banana) 1 large smoothie, split 3 ways
- 2 kiwis and 1 orange cut up
- 6 scrambled cheesy eggs
- 2 gluten free bagels, toasted and cut into 4’se
Lunch Board
- Hard-boiled eggs – sliced
- Tuna Salad
- Crystal Farms Wrap cheese with tuna and ham; cut in 1/2
- Gluten Free Crackers & pretzel sticks
- Almonds
- Guacamole (Pre-made)
- Spinach and lettuce to wrap carrots and gauce
Jenn Zedaker is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. She loves to create and share content via her blog & monthly newsletter. Using her education, experience and passion you’ll find fun workouts, delicious recipes, and helpful eBooks! All geared to help you live a happy and healthy lifestyle!