Update on my 30 Day Challenge!

My 30 Day Challenge lesson that I did with my students on the first day back from break was a success! I really enjoyed watching them come up with a challenge, and we did a "check-in" a few days ago using Padlet that the students enjoyed. Some are struggling, but some are really excited about their progress! I can't wait to see how many of us have stuck to it after January! I've been sending out little notes to check-in on Edmodo, mostly to build a bit of community. This is a great way to reign your kids back in and connect with them after the break!

**This is not a sponsored post**

In preparation for this 30 day challenge, I purchased the stackable Bentgo box pictured above. It has completely re-energized my packing lunches, because nothing motivates me like having a cute container to fill. Something about throwing food in a paper bag or target bag just doesn't appeal to me! I also purchased the insulated lunch bag, the cup, and two small containers for dressing.

So last Monday, to my horror, I unpacked my lunch at school and noticed *gasp* there was a hairline crack in the bottom compartment of my bentgo box. I could see it happening...my lunch box challenge would derail, as I would be completely discouraged. Doing something totally out of character, I actually emailed the company (which is not something I ever do), and they said someone would get back to me within 1-2 days. Well, I checked my email on a break the next morning and lo and behold, they had responded within twelve hours! Their customer service was absolutely wonderful, and my replacement box was going to be on its way within 7-10 business days. This was on the 14th. Yesterday, I arrived home from a Michael's binge (I purchased a new Erin Condren life planner, and was sucked into the sticker thing...more on that another day), and my new Bentgo box was here! Hooray!! Thank you Bentgo, for having awesome customer service, and saving my 30-day challenge!!

What I love most about this lunch "box" above all others I've had (and I have had many), is that it has a large enough space for a nice size salad in the bottom, and two separated sections on the top, which has been great for a fruit and something else, like nuts. Also, it cleans so easily! My biggest issue is forgetting to wash out my lunchbox (admit it, we've all done this), and then it's so far gone you just throw it away... Well, it's so easy to wipe clean after I finish lunch, and the silverware it comes with is sturdy and easy to clean. Plus, it's the first time I've purchased small containers for dressing that haven't leaked. I still get flashbacks to the erin condren lunchbox, and my salad dressing destroying the bottom of my teacher bag and the edges of my planner. *shudder*

lunch planner here: http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/lunchboxplannernotes30daysblog.pdf

So I'm obsessed with the Spinach salad, which is obvious as I ate it for the whole first week, (BTW- the Brianna's Poppyseed Dressing is delicious, and I found it at Target!), and the second week I did the turkey wrap. While I was a pretty strict vegetarian for awhile, I've noticed that I have much more energy when I eat lean meats (turkey, etc...), so I am somewhat incorporating them into my diet. I am not saying anything against going vegetarian, as I still have very strong feelings about animal cruelty, and feeling very conflicted about eating protein in the form of meat. But moving on, I am seeing that I need a little variety in my lunches. I tend to go with one thing, because it's easier, for the whole week, but I don't think I'm getting enough variety. Friday was a complete accident, because I barely packed a lunch. I had a dance workshop right after school and a rehearsal in the evening, so I didn't get home until late. Needless to say I was dragging on Friday. 

Today's mission is to go shopping and find some recipes that will spice things up for the rest of the month. Hopefully I can make this habit lifelong, as I have already seen the health benefits! I haven't been drinking pop during the day, and I feel more energized throughout the day. Bonus- I've also lost four lbs!

Here are a couple I've been checking out today!

http://ipacklunch.com/2013/07/easy-work-week-lunches/

http://ipacklunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/flat-out.jpg

http://ipacklunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tasty-tortellini.jpg

I'm also excited to check out their recipe e-book that you get for free for purchasing a Bentgo!

On to the 1SE, I'm using the app on my iPhone, and I'm excited about it! It makes each day memorable, but there have been about two days that I forget to video the most exciting part of my day and I'm scrambling for something at the last minute. I hope to get better at this, and the app allows you to set reminders, so I may try that next week!

Are you doing a 30 day challenge? How is it going?