I refuse to pay more for less. Those cute little individual packages of snacks for kids and other controlled portion needs are every where! They are bad for my budget and the environment. I just measure out 100 calorie servings or 1 serving size and store them in tiny reusable bowls with lids. The kids love to help and it might take me 20 minutes a month. It also helps to make sure i do not grab the whole box of cheese-its when watching a movie!
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I also pre-cut celery, carrots and other fruits and veggies so they become a quick and covenant snack.
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This idea works great, really it does, I've done it.
SAL151210/13/2010 8:48:00 PM
I have done this since the 70's when I was a Tupperware Lady and it works! My kids benefited from it too. When they were old enough to pack their own lunches - they just had to pick from what I made up for them. Sometimes they even helped me pre-package. Sure wish I would have had a digital scale sooner!
MIMAWELIZABETH12/29/2010 3:42:00 AM
I started doing this when I was packing lunches for my four oldest kids, and it's a great time-saver! Each weekend I'd fill up 40 or so little bags of snacks from economy-sized bags; then all week, each child could pick out the snacks they wanted for their packed lunches. I found them much more willing to eat everything in their lunch when they had a say in creating it.
JASI2712/9/2010 11:34:00 AM
I have been telling myself to do this forever and TODAY IS THE DAY I START!!! I will go pick up those little reusables this evening and get started! Thanks for the kickstart!
ASORIA3310/14/2010 11:44:00 AM
SOOOO true! Thanks for the tip. I will have to be more alert to this and keep myself in check!
JIBBIE4910/14/2010 12:06:00 AM
I've always been frugal, so I would never spend money on individual packages like that. I try not to buy junk food to begin with, but it does help to measure things out.
PAMELALANDIS10/13/2010 1:38:00 PM
This is such a good idea. It is a bother sometimes, but worth it in the long run. Just don't ask your husband for help! (:
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Make a plan that fits. Your plan has to consider you life as is, not what you want it to be. I am not going to pre-buy, pre-cook, or pre-package food for an entire week. So, frozen meals for the microwave are my go-to lunch of choice for work. Add a piece of fruit to make it to the next meal.
Keep something healthy and convenient at the front of your fridge so you can grab it quickly when you need something NOW. Whether you pre-package your own portions or use grocery store convenience foods like carrot snack packs, it will make a huge difference in what you eat if it's something easy for you to grab.
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You can pre-portion salad into bowls, pre-cut vegetables for snacking, and pre-portion nuts so you don't overdo it.
