Bento Lunches

[gategrrl]

 Bento: a Japanese method of making lunches that are compact, nutritious, and colorful.

I've been reading up on this for the past week or two; it's something I've heard of before, years ago (you couldn't help but hear about it if you were into Japanese culture20 years ago!). Mermaid's lunch difficulties in school, and the general level of state-funded school lunches have gotten me more and more interested in packing lunches for my kids. What difficulties could Mermaid have been having? She started Middle School five weeks ago, and it was difficult for her to have enough time to eat her lunch once she purchased it; and there has never been any guarantee that she (or Little Guy) could get the hot lunch they wanted by the time they reached the cafeteria line. And even if they got the lunch they wanted, c'mon: it's almost all fatty Mexican or American style foods, with veggies and some fruit on the side. My kids aren't 'fat' but the maximal fat content and the minimal playtime isn't good for them. (at least LA schools have not abolished recess, unlike in some other districts: and it's still not the amount of time I'd like to see devoted for play)

So, I started googling "Bento" after a few mentions of an company called "Laptop Lunches". I also found a few blogs which are awesome for lunch ideas, complete with presentation (which is no small thing, if you have the time). Lunchinabox is one of the best blogs out there with clear instructions and ideas. It's fabulous. The best thing about Bento is that you aren't limited to Asian foods; you aren't limited to fancy from-Japan boxes - you can substitute other items, like Lock-and-Lock or Fit'n'Fresh, or whatever you want.

If you go to Laptop Lunches' website, if you read the testamonials, you'll see a category devoted to adults. Bento lunches are great for portion control, which is a big bugaboo for many people. Of course, you can always pack a large Bento box, but why not experiment and see how little you can get away with?

Comments

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

I've been reading up on this over the past few weeks myself when someone on my flist was raving about it. I really like the idea. I'm hoping if I can get some stability in my life, I can start to stock pile little things to make them.

[gategrrl.livejournal.com]

Isn't it neat, though? Like any other hobby, though, it can be as expensive or cheap as you want to make it. Silicone cup cake molds are popular packing items to put food in, as are Lock-and-Lock model containers. I have one that has four smaller open containers within it; and the local Target also stocks a version that's larger with two containers in it. That would be perfect for a cut-up sandwhich and a salad (with the dressing in a smaller container so it doesn't get all over the sandwich).

I beginning to think I'd be more likely to eat a Real Lunch if I had one already prepared in the fridge. I still make the old standby of PB&J whenever I'm home, or a Hot Pocket. They're quick and easy, but man, not very filling for the amount of calories you end up eating.

What are some of the sites you've been looking at?

[seanchaidh.livejournal.com]

Oooh, good idea. Even if the lunches might be for myself (gah, lunches!), neat idea!