August 22, 2024
Do you remember the days when the lunch bell rang, signaling the excitement of discovering the treasures hidden in your lunch box? Join me as I take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some items—some I’d rather forget—and the iconic snacks and treats that fueled my childhood adventures and satisfied my youthful cravings.
Growing up, I preferred a packed lunch because it was made with care by my parents. My favorite things to find in my lunch were pretzel sticks and chocolate snack pack pudding, which are still favorites of mine! I had a packed lunch up until high school. The strangest thing I saw on the school menu was oatmeal for breakfast. It didn’t look like oatmeal, so I didn’t eat it.
If I could create one school lunch item from scratch, it would be elementary school pizza. It was the most exciting thing every week. The ultimate school lunch menu would include street tacos, baked mac and cheese, NY-style pizza, tomato basil soup, and garlic-crusted chicken breast with parmesan mashed potatoes. School lunch needs to be stepped up.
The secret to making the ultimate lunchbox meal is using fresh ingredients and a variety of complementary foods. Packing school lunches and meal prepping as adults are similar; both should maintain proper nutrition and ensure a well-balanced meal, including grains, protein, fruit, and veggies.
The lunch’s packaging also matters. An environmentally friendly package that keeps food fresh longer can make the meal more appealing.
I would love to see an omelet roll-up, yogurt parfait, and eggs benedict sandwich for a breakfast box.
Even though we’ve traded our lunch boxes for grown-up alternatives and our tastes have evolved, the nostalgia of those beloved treats still reminds us of the innocence and delight of youth. I hope you can find some classic favorites and discover new tempting treats every time you visit the Vitalia Mentor Bistro or Country Kitchen. May you never stop making culinary memories.
VITALIA® Mentor in Mentor, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Little Mountain Country Club, Pinecrest Shopping and Dining, Lake Metroparks, James A. Garfield National Historic Site, Headlands Beach State Park, and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
