well! i asked for some suggestions - and here they are!! thanks, J-man! those are all great ideas. i especially appreciate the snacks you recommended. i think that is the danger zone area for me, personally. yogurt with granola or granny smiths with peanut butter tend to get old after a while. and then i misbehave. boredom (of the same old, same old snack foods LOL) is the devil's playground as they say! ;) but the meals are intriguing, too. now.... to find a way to get the kiddos to agree to eat it! LOL! anyone got any suggestions there!! LOL!! thanks, Jessie, for the tips! :)