Now that the summer is more or less behind us and the cooler days are closing in, heading out to the park isn’t as easy is it was just a few short weeks ago. We tend to have a very rainy fall where I live and this year has been no exception to that. I’m not opposed to puddle jumping and running around in the yard getting wet, but when your yard is 90% dirt from landscaping renos, it’s a bit less fun.
In those instances we hit the indoor play areas at the mall. The one we like the best is a good 30 minute drive from us so I’ll usually pack up a bag for us before heading out because we’re guaranteed to be gone at least 3 hours. Now you might be thinking, no problem, you’re at the mall, you can grab lunch there right?
Wrong-o!
I have nothing against eating at the mall and truth be told, my son and I have split some french fries together in the past. But our regular routine is to pack a healthy lunch for both of us that includes fruits, veggies and water. He’s only 19 months but my little guy is go-go-go every waking second and he needs the best foods to fuel his little body. I need the best foods to fuel mine to keep up with him.
I only wish I could make something creative and pretty. Image from Following in my Shoes
So what kinds of foods do I pack? It varies but always stuff that’s easy to pack, easy to eat on the go and that I know my little man will love: bananas, blueberries, nectarines, yogurt, cheese, granola bars and cheerios will often find their way into our lunch bags. They’re easy to pack, not too messy (outside of one exploding yogurt incident) and the little man loves it when he gets to eat somewhere different with his favourite plate and sippy cup in front of him.
What do you do when you know you’ll be out for a few hours? Do you bring your own snacks? Look for healthy alternatives on the go or allow yourself a treat?
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