Can we just real talk for a hot minute? I was born in the mid 1980’s and grew up in the 1990’s and I have observed something about this certain subsection of adults now that not only applies to me but almost all my similarly aged peers. We all tend to have some really disordered eating habits. The generation whose parents raised us on “no leaving the table until you finish your plate”, and “treats are BAD”, and “if you’re good you can have a cookie” – all while themselves surviving on slim fast bars and meal replacement shakes and chain smoking cigarettes.

THIS. THIS is why I bento box for myself. It’s to combat 30+ years of using food as rewards and punishments, of not listening to my body’s intuitive cues of hunger and satiety, of restricting so severely binges are inevitable, and to silence the critics in my own head.

Bento boxes make me mindful – to choose a variety of healthy(ish) options in a portion controlled size. It helps me see all my food laid out, and take the pedestal off “I deserve this treat” items. It also helps me mirror what healthy eating habits are for my kids. It’s reasonable and sustainable. Can any of you relate to this?

This Bento (for me!): Little Lunch Box Co Bento 3

• tortilla chips & homemade guacamole in an avocado shell (topped wih Everything But The Bagel seasoning from Trader Joes)
• cucumbers & carrots
• grapes
• chocolate covered cashews
• banana
• Made With Local peanut butter blondie bar