Tips To Plan The Perfect Lunch Box For Your Kid

Introduction

Packing the lunch box for kids is no less than an art. It is not just about fulfilling the daily nutritional requirements but also about making the food items look appealing, so kids eat them. Kids are known for their fussy eating habits, and making them eat healthy food can be quite a task. To help you out, In this blog, we will discuss some great lunch box ideas and tips that will make sure your kids enjoy their meal.

How to plan the perfect lunch box for your kid? 

When it comes to preparing and packing a lunch box for kids, the options are endless. But before you start packing, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips that will help you plan the perfect lunch box for your kid-

1. Let your kids be a part of the decision-making process

One of the best ways to ensure that your kids eat their lunch is by involving them in the decision-making process. Ask them about their food preferences and what they want to see in their lunch box. This will ensure that they eat their lunch and help instil healthy eating habits in them from an early age.

2. Keep it simple 

When it comes to packing lunch for kids, simplicity is key. Avoid packing too many different things in one box as it will only confuse them. Stick to basic items like sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and yoghurt.

3. Make it fun

Lunch time should be fun for kids and not something they must endure. So make sure that you pack their lunch in a way that is fun and exciting for them. Use creative containers and cut their food into fun shapes. You can also pack small toys or notes to surprise them during lunchtime.

4. Be mindful of allergies

If your child has any food allergies, make sure that you take that into account when packing their lunch. Avoid packing anything they may be allergic to, and talk to their teacher about what they can and cannot eat.

5. Get them involved

Lunchtime is a great time for kids to learn about healthy eating habits. So involve them in the lunch packing process and let them help you choose healthy items to pack. This will also make lunchtime more fun for them as they will be excited to eat the foods they helped choose.

What foods can you add to the Lunch Box?

1) Fruits and Vegetables- Fruits and vegetables are a great addition to any lunch box. They are packed with nutrients and fibre to help keep your child full and satisfied until dinner time.

2) Healthy Snacks- Healthy snacks are also a great way to keep your child’s energy up during the day. Choose items like whole-grain crackers, granola bars, or fruit cups. Avoid sugary snacks like candy or cake as they will only give your child a quick sugar high followed by an energy crash.

3) A Balanced Meal- A balanced meal is the best way to ensure your child gets all the nutrients they need during the day. So try to include protein, a carbohydrate,  and healthy fat in their lunch box. 

Healthy lunchbox recipes for kids

1. Vegetable wraps 

You can use whole wheat tortillas or flatbreads to make these wraps. Fill them with veggies of your choice and some cheese. You can even add some hummus or avocado for extra flavour and creaminess. To make it more interesting for kids, you can cut the wraps into fun shapes using Cookie cutters.

2. Fruit kabobs

Kids love eating food on a stick, and these fruit kabobs are no exception. Simply thread some fruits like strawberries, grapes, watermelon, etc., onto skewers, and your healthy snack is ready. You can even dip them in yoghurt or chocolate sauce for extra flavour.

3. Pasta salad

This is a classic lunchbox favourite, and there are endless ways to make it. You can add any vegetables, cheese, and protein of your choice to make it more nutritious. You can also toss in some pesto or Italian dressing for added flavour.

4. Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a Lunchbox staple, and there are many different ways to make them. You can use any type of bread like whole wheat, rye, or sourdough and fill them with healthy ingredients like avocado, hummus, chicken, etc. For some extra flavour, you can add some spices or herbs to the filling.

5. Yogurt parfait

This is a healthy and tasty snack that kids will love. Simply layer some yoghurt with fruits and granola in a jar or container. You can also add some honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

6. Cheese and crackers

This is a classic Lunchbox snack that is easy to make and kids love. Simply pair some crackers with cheese slices or cubes. You can also add some fruit or vegetables on the side. 

7. Vegetable Poha or Paratha

These are Indian Lunchbox recipes that are healthy and filling. You can add various vegetables to the poha or paratha dough to make it more nutritious. Add some chutney or sauce on the side for dipping.

8. Lunchbox tacos

You can use leftovers from dinner to make Lunchbox tacos. Simply fill a whole wheat tortilla with cooked meat, vegetables and cheese. Lunchbox tacos are easy to make, and kids will love them.

9. Fried rice

This is a healthy and tasty Lunchbox recipe that kids will love. You can use brown rice or white rice for this recipe. Add some vegetables and meat to the rice and fry it in a little oil.

Best practises for  packing a Lunch Box

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing the Lunchbox.

2. Ensure all the food is cooked correctly and cooled before packing it into the Lunchbox.

3. Use separate containers for different types of food to prevent them from mixing.

4. Pack Lunch Boxes the night before, so you have enough time to prepare them properly in the morning.

5. Avoid packing foods that can spoil easily, such as dairy products or meats.

6. If packing perishable items, include an ice pack to keep them fresh.

7. Label Lunchboxes with your child’s name and date to prevent confusion and wasted food.

8. Inspect Lunchboxes daily and wash them regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria.

Lunch is an important meal of the day and should be given the same attention as any other meal. With a bit of planning, you can ensure that your child’s Lunchbox is both nutritious and delicious! Following these tips will help you create healthy and safe Lunchboxes for your children.

You can also read: 

5 Foods Affecting a Child’s Health you Didn’t Know About

Why Does School Attendance Matter for Kids?

10 Key Etiquette You Can Teach Your Kids