Day Thirty Two: Crispy Chicken Nuggets

So, the nuggets were served with brown rice pilaf.  I chose not to get any rice, first of all, I can't eat rice without soy sauce.  Second of all, I can't stand pilaf.  So, I just made a big salad, with ranch of course.  The nuggets were very dry and not tasty at all. Even with lots of ranch and ketchup.  I was almost done eating when I looked down and there was a bug swimming in my ranch.  I'm not joking swimming!  It probably got there when I was walking the trek outside to get to my staff room.  I was disgusted, I threw my lunch away, and just tried not to throw up.

Day Thirty One: Hamburger on a Whole Wheat Bun

Today's hamburger came with the option of a double patty since I'm an adult.  I chose to go with the single, I'm not sure I could have finished a double.  Sweet potato tots were served on the side, and I can honestly say, I'm not a fan!  They do not have the same texture as a tater tot at all! I covered them with ranch and ketchup, but still no luck.  I ate only a few and threw the rest away.  I also had some veggies on the side along with chocolate milk.

Day Thirty: Pizza Friday

Oh joy, what fun to come back to pizza Friday.  I'm so glad I didn't miss it.  In case you can't tell, I am definately being sarcastic.  It's not that I don't love pizza, but how boring is it to blog about the same thing week after week?  I only got pizza today and some jell-o.  I also put ranch on the side of my pizza.  The cheese on the pizza was a little crispy today, which makes it even harder to enjoy.

Day Twenty Nine: Home Sick :(

Today I was supposed to have oven roasted chicken with seasoned red potatoes.  I am not too disappointed since I don't prefer to eat chicken on a bone.  I had top ramen at home instead, hopefully not sick tomorrow.

Day Twenty Eight: Beef or Vegetarian Soft Taco on a Whole Wheat Tortilla

First of all, let's start by saying there was no vegetarian option, at least not at our school. Actually, every time the menu says refried beans are offered, our school never has them.  And I love refried beans.  I overstuffed by soft taco and was forced to eat it with a fork.  It's not that it was so full, just that the walk from the lunchroom to my staff room is outside, and by the time I get there, the tortilla has become not so warm.  Just once I would like to be able to fold it up and eat it like a taco.

Day Twenty Seven: Homemade Low-Fat Lasagna

Today's lasagna was much better than last months lasagna.  It was cooked perfectly and I ate it all!  I just which I had some bread to go with it.  At least I had my salad with ranch.  I was left feeling very full, but satisfied.  Now instead of dreading lasagna day, I will look forward to it.

Day Twenty Six: Breaded Chicken Patty on a Whole Wheat Bun

Today's lunch was one of my favorites, chicken burger and cheesy mashed potatoes.  I really love the cheesy mashed potatoes, especially when they are served hot!  It was great with the salad I added to it, and of course I put ranch on the salad and my burger!

Day Twenty Five: Pizza Friday (in the classroom)

Guess who got to serve pizza to her class today? It was me!  At least it was presliced, at first it didn't look like it was.  Also didn't look like there would be enough, until I started serving and there was another layer of pizza underneath! It was good to eat with my class again today.  If it wasn't so messy I would prefer it.  I love listening to them!  I also had chocolate milk, but nothing else.  I'm surprised I'm not going through ranch withdrawals yet!  I can't wait until Monday when I can have some again!

Day Twenty Four: Whole Wheat Corn Dog

So as you know, we ate in our room today.  The corn dogs actually came with ketchup, thank goodness!  Otherwise I don't know if I could have eaten it.  The kids in my class kept getting up to get more ketchup, it was funny.  I have fun serving them, and don't like anyone's help.  So if someone tries to come in, I always say, I got it.  I'm kind of a perfectionist, and like to do things my way.  Anyway, the corndogs had whole wheat breading, and were actually turkey dogs.  They tasted so good, just like a real corndog.  Not as good as a Krusty Pup though.  I had some grapes and chocolate milk with my corndog.  The kids did too, and some celery and carrots.  One of my kids dipped his carrot in the ketchup, another one dipped his celery into his chocolate milk!  What a crazy class.  Another exciting day eating lunch in our classroom.

Day Twenty Three: Bean and Cheese Burrito

Today was a half day, so lucky me, we got to eat in our classrooms.  The students, of course, were so excited.  Me, I think it would be better if they didn't make such a mess when eating.  The burritos were piping hot, and guess who got to serve them? Me!  I don't mind serving the kids lunch, but those burritos were very hot!  I don't know how they expect kids to eat something so hot.  But, one of my students told the class, "If you wrap it in a paper towel, it's not too hot on the inside".  So smart!  Why didn't I think of that? The kids also got chocolate milk, carrots, and an apple.  I didn't eat any carrots.  It was nice to hear what my kids talk about during lunch.  We get to eat lunch in the classroom for the rest of the week.  Hooray for conferences!  I have to say, there was one downside to eating in our room, there was no sour cream or salsa!

Day Twenty Two: Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

The spaghetti sauce was delicious, but I'm not a big fan of whole wheat noodles.  I was served a huge amount of noodles and sauce.  It was more than a normal person can eat, but of course, I did eat it all.  Even though I didn't like the noodles, and I had some coleslaw.  Needless to say, I was very full after lunch, and pretty much for the rest of the day.  But, that didn't stop me from eating dinner.  I really can't say no to food. It's amazing I've actually lost weight, just goes to show that the school lunch is healthy.

Amazing!

I came into the cafeteria this morning, and what did they have?  Spoons and forks! No more sporks!  It's weird that this happened right after I complained about sporks!  Yesterday was pretty tough eating soup with a spork!  I'm beyond excited!

Day Twenty One: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This is one of my favorite lunches!  They started serving it last year, and it was so exciting.  There's just something about grilled cheese and tomato soup.  It's weird because I had never tried it until last year, but it  reminds of growing up.  The students were served a prepackaged grilled cheese, on white bread.  It wasn't an uncrustable, some other brand.  It looked good, but the teachers got a fresh grilled cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread.  It was good, especially dipped into the hot tomato soup.  Well it was hot when I got it, but after walking to the staff room, it was just warm.  I also had some coleslaw, and it was so good!  I also didn't start eating coleslaw until recently, but now I can't get enough of it!  Today's lunch was very yummy!

Weigh In

Good news!  I've lost 5 pounds, this could be because of all of the walking I do at school.  However, the school lunch hasn't made me gain weight, so that means it's not bad for you!  I'm more than halfway through my experiment, and so far I'd say it's been a success!

Day Twenty: Pizza Friday!

It's about time!  Finally we had a different pizza flavor, Canadian bacon and pineapple.  Usually we only have cheese or pepperoni. The pineapple was amazing on the pizza, and I also got a side of pineapple.  Today I added a little bit of salad with ranch.  It was so good to have a different option for pizza Friday.  Although, I swear the "Canadian bacon" was really cut up hot dog!  It was still good!

Day Nineteen: Teriyaki Chicken

Today I had a choice of teriyaki chicken and rice, or a chicken leg and rice.  I decided to stick with the menu and got the teriyaki chicken.  It was a good choice, it wasn't as good as a restaurant, but it was as good as I can make.  I also had some salad with ranch, two days in a row without ranch would have been crazy! Also, some watermelon pieces.  Today's lunch was pretty filling and tasted good. 

Day Eighteen: Soft Tacos

All of last year I looked at those soft tacos and thought, gross.  But actually the tortillas they use are very yummy.  Although it said there would be refried beans, and there wasn't.  There never is.  The walk from the lunchroom back to the staff room is outside, so I should have reheated to make the folding of the tortilla easier. I ate half of it like a soft taco should be eaten, but then it fell apart and I had to use a spork.  That's right I said a spork, whatever happened to forks?  The kids rarely even need a spoon, except when they serve cereal for breakfast.  Let's splurge and buy seperate utensils.  I also had some leftover cinnamon roll from my breakfast, it made my meal complete.  Today I added a chocolate milk to my lunch, it was yummy!  Shockingly, I didn't have ranch today!

Day Seventeen: Sloppy Joes (not my favorite)

Since I checked the menu in advance today, I decided to order a salad instead.  First through fifth graders have the option of ordering a salad or sandwich instead of the hot lunch.  I took that option today!  It was a ham salad, and it was pretty good.  Besides ham, it had a mixture of lettuce and cheese, plus lots of ranch!  I also had some chocolate milk and peach jell-o.  The jell-o was amazing, I wished I had more!  By the way the sloppy joes didn't even come with tater tots, that's the only way to eat sloppy joes, I think.

Day Sixteen: Northwest Fish and Oven Baked Potato Wedges

Hmmm, something's not right.  Since when are fish sticks and tater tots, northwest fish and oven baked potato wedges?  Had I known it was fish sticks, I'm not sure I would have made the trek to go get hot lunch today.  I was pleasantly surprised, the fish was crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside.  The tater tots were even crispy!  I have to admit, I also had some asian noodles and kabobs.  Lunch was provided to the staff by Metro Parks.  I can't help myself, I'm a sucker for free food!  But I got the hot lunch just in case I didn't like the other lunch.  Too bad I liked them both, and ate them both!  We'll just say, I'm having a light dinner tonight!

Day Fifteen: Pizza Friday!

I sure am getting bored writing about pizza every Friday!  Well this Friday, we had pizza, obviously.  I just got the pizza, and some ranch.  I guess I wasn't very hungry.  Anyway, that's all I have to say about "Pizza Friday".  Except that one of my students asked what day is what and another student said, "Duh, Pizza Friday!"  I thought that was funny, at least my kids know when it's Friday, pretty good for kindergarten!

Day Fourteen: Turkey & Gravy

Today was mashed potatoes with shredded turkey and gravy.  It's one of my favorites, but the lunch line went so slow today! It was well worth the wait.  It came with a roll, and I also got some carrots and ranch :)  While I was waiting patiently for the kids to get their lunch, I heard a few of them say, "I just want ice cream!"  They thought the mashed potatoes were ice cream because they were being served with an ice cream scoop. It was too funny.  I'm not sure how they felt when I told them it was mashed potatoes. 

Day Thirteen: Nachos!

Hooray for nachos!  I was expecting a soft taco, but was surprised with nachos.  They of course, were very good.  And, I was right the chips weren't stale this time, they were nice and crunchy.  They didn't even get too soggy.  The meat was served on the side today, which was way better.  Today I added some carrots and celery to my lunch, with ranch of course. Another teacher added some salad on top, which seemed like something I should try next time.

Day Twelve: Tuna Sandwich with Salad

Today was actually chicken nuggets with rice pilaf. GROSS!  So I ordered a sandwich, which the students can do as well.  It's not the chicken nuggets I don't like, it's the pilaf.  I mean I haven't actually tried the school lunch version, but if I don't like the restaraunt kind, I'm sure I won't like the school kind!  Anyway, the tuna sandwich was pretty good, but a little dry.  I like a lot of mayonnaise, so I kind of dipped it in my ranch, but there wasn't much left, since it was on my salad.  The salad by the way, has been very good lately with cheese and cut up hard boiled eggs in it.  I love eggs in my salad.  Especially when there is ranch!

Day Eleven: Hamburger with tater tots

Today I had a yummy hamburger on a whole wheat bun, with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and pickles.  The burger came with tater tots, and watermelon.  It was supposed to come with sweet potato puffs, whatever the heck those are!  I'm glad the cook made tater tots instead, I could always go for those!  I added a salad to my meal with ranch of course!  Today's lunch was very filling, but I still was wishing I had some dessert.  I still haven't brought my own, although I really should.

Day Ten: Pizza Friday (again)

Today was pizza again, but I only got two slices of pizza and some ranch with carrots.  I love dipping my pizza in ranch, and almost everything else!  It was good, but not sure why it's pizza every Friday.  Good thing I'm not like my husband who gets tired of pizza.  I could really eat it every day.

Day Nine: Oven Baked Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

Wow, are you kidding me?!  I couldn't believe it when I saw the drumstick and potatoes on my plate.  It was like I was eating dinner.  I was impressed, one of the other teachers thought I had brought leftovers for lunch.  The chicken was very good, and the potatoes were good, except I don't enjoy rosemary that much, and they were seasoned with  it.  I also had a side salad with ranch, some carrots, mandarin orange slices, and chocolate milk.  Today's lunch was really good, I'm not sure how much the kids liked eating it though, I'm sure it was a surprise to them.  I'm also betting a lot of chicken got left on the bone! I know I left a lot when I was a kid.  Tomorrow is Friday, so I know it will be pizza again.  Good thing I like pizza!

Day Eight: Bean & Cheese Burrito

Today's lunch was pretty good.  I had a burrito with salsa and sour cream.  I added a chocolate milk and some fresh vegetables.  I also had some pineapple.  It wasn't too filling, and I had a small piece of chocolate and some chai tea after lunch. 

Day Seven: Cheese Lasagna

Today's lunch was lasagna, and it was pretty good.  Except for the fact we only have a spork to eat with!  There was no getting through the top layer of cheese with a spork!  So I ate around it, sadly missing out on the cheese.  I also had a side salad with ranch of course!  And some grapes.  The meal was very filling, and I look forward to having it again. 

By the way, so far no weight gain or loss.  I guess that means it's healthy :)

Day Six: Chicken Patty on a Whole Wheat Bun

Today was one of my favorite lunches! I love the chicken burger, and it comes with cheesy mashed potatoes, delicious!  Today was a bit of a let down,  the potatoes were hard and cold.  Luckily I could heat them up in the microwave, but still not what I was expecting.  The chicken patty was delicious, as always.  I also had a side salad with ranch, and some pineapple chunks.   Tomorrow's lunch: cheesy lasagna, I'll keep you posted!

Day Five: Pizza Friday!

I'm sure you can tell by now, every Friday the cafeteria serves pizza.  This week was cheese pizza.  I ordered a la carte today, adding grapes and jello.  I also got a cup of ranch for my pizza.  When I was almost done eating I ran out of ranch!  However, the lunch was filling and satisfying.  I'm glad I can always look forward to enjoying my lunch at least once a week!

Day Four: Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce

I didn't even look at the menu this morning, I just decided to be surprised.  Amazingly, it was one of my favorites, spaghetti with meat sauce.  It came with a whole wheat roll and I added a side salad with...ranch!  If you haven't noticed, I love ranch, but there are other salad dressing options for the kids, including thousand island.  Today I brought my own drink which was a fruit and vegetable drink.  I really enjoyed lunch today, and look forward to tomorrow's lunch too, which is of course, Pizza Friday!

Day Three: Nachos!

I love nachos!  I look forward to them each time.  Today though, I was a little disappointed.  My nachos were served with a lot of meat (too much if you ask me).  I also had cheese, of course, sour cream, salsa, and olives.  I also had a small side salad with ranch, obviously, and chocolate milk (delicious).  Overall the nachos were tasty, but the chips were a little stale.  Once I got to the bottom the chips were soggy so it didn't matter too much.  A fork is definately recommended.  I'm sure the stale chips were just a bad batch, because usually the chips are very crunchy, I look forward to having them again!

Day Two: Corn Dogs

When I read the menu this morning, I wasn't too excited about corn dogs.  Maybe it would have been more exciting if they came with fries or tater tots, but they didn't.  I chose to get mine a la carte, with some grapes.  So far I haven't gotten milk with my lunch, but I think I will tomorrow.  The corn dogs turned out to be pretty good.  It's a good thing because they gave me two!  But after I finished eating I was left wanting more.  I guess I'm just a dessert kind of person, maybe I'll have to start bringing my own!

Day One: Pizza Friday

Today's lunch was pepperoni pizza.  I always enjoy pizza, so today it was easy to get "hot lunch".  I also added a side salad with lots of ranch to my tray.  We'll see how the rest of the trial goes. 

I started today because yesterday was chicken nuggets and rice pilaf, I hate rice pilaf.