40 Days of Bento 2017 Day #1

This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

It’s that time of year again! Time for me to challenge myself to make my lunch every workday between Ash Wednesday and Easter. I call it #40DaysofBento, but I’m only making lunch about 33-35 work days. It’s the thought that counts, right?

In addition to the pictures marking my progress, here on the duck I’ll be including the recipes and source material for my lunches. In many cases I modify for ingredient availability and substitute for taste. Since these are lunches, the serving size is generally one. When I have extra, my husband happily eats the leftovers. When additional prep time is necessary, I’ll be sure to note that, but most lunches can be pulled together in about 10-15 minutes. I’ll also be calculating calories via MyFitnessPal, so I can keep track of what I’m eating.

I’ll aso note where I can what bento box I’m using and what other decorations, as well as where to get them.

Because I’m participating in the Run The Year Challenge, I’ll also be including the calorie count. I’ll be using it to help me monitor protein intake, prevent  injury and lose a little weight :).I run 3-4 miles a day several days a week and walk another 3-4 miles daily, so my nutritional needs might be different from yours. I’m also not a big breakfast eater, so some lunches might seem huge in terms of calories. I’ll be calculating these via MyFitnessPal.

Let’s get started with Day 1

Shrimp with Yellow (Summer) Squash
Quick Caprese Salad (fancy way of saying grape tomatoes and mozarella tossed with basil and balsamic vinegar)
Peas and Corn (both canned, about a .25 Cup each)

I got a Oxo Good Grips® V-Blade Mandoline Slicer from Bed Bath and Beyond over the weekend (I live for those 20% off coupons!), and I’ve been slicing everything I can get my hands on. I’m only slightly disappointed with the slicer because it doesn’t slice food down completely, and there’s no way to make it without tearing up your hands. I don’t like feeling like I’m wasting food so I’m thinking of a workaround. :/

I make julienned zucchini noodles with it, and the slicer does well enough. I ate the first three zucchini I sliced.

In butter.

I have no regrets.

For today’s recipe I used the french fry blade on a yellow squash.

Bento Box: FESTMÅLTID, 4.99 (at the time of this post). I purchased this box from IKEA and paid full price. I have not been paid for its inclusion in this post.