How to Pack a Healthy Lunch Your Child Will Enjoy

Photo by Jony Ariadi on Unsplash

Two of the daily challenges most parents face are packing a healthy lunch that will appeal to kids, which they actually will eat. In those cases, when little ones can be notoriously picky, coming up with the perfect balance between nutrition and taste is an art. However, if you keep in mind a few simple tips, you will be off to a great start in assembling a lunchbox that is healthy and fun, something he looks forward to opening every day. Here are some very helpful tips and ideas on packing lunches that will keep your child nourished and satisfied throughout the school day.

Include Variety and Color

Children instinctively like brilliant colors and shapes, so take advantage of it by adding fruits and veggies full of color inside the lunchbox. Reds, oranges, greens-items like cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips-do the magic. Besides being rich in vitamins, a raft of colors makes the meal more appetizing. Try pairing colorful produce with a protein-rich dip-like hummus or Greek yogurt blended with a bit of honey-for an extra kick of flavor and nutrition.

Build Balanced Portions

A well-rounded lunch should include a source of protein, healthy fat, carbohydrate and plenty of fiber. To assemble a complete meal, combine two to three of these various food groups into one lunch. Examples of protein sources include: grilled chicken strips, hard-boiled eggs, cheese cubes, or yogurt.

To ensure your child gets enough lean protein, discover the best quality IQF chicken to include in wraps, salads, or pasta dishes. These options not only offer excellent nutrition but also hold up well in a lunchbox throughout the day.

Whole grain crackers, brown rice cakes, or even a small whole-wheat wrap-a good source of carbohydrates

Efficiency through Prep Ahead

Save yourself some time on Sunday-or each night-and prep ahead for the week: wash and chop fruits and veggies, portion out crackers or popcorn, and pre-cook proteins such as chicken or hard-boiled eggs. In this way, you can quickly throw lunch boxes together in the morning without feeling rushed. Keep containers of snack sizes handy for quick portioning. Store prepared items in the fridge to easily grab and pack.

In busy schools, children always mislay their lunch boxes, water bottles, and containers. Labeling everything may make them recognize their things and not mislay them. The waterproof labels that would be durable could take spills and many washes with aplomb, so those would be great for use. The personalized name labels make it more exciting, and children are much more likely to look after things that seem to be theirs alone. This simple step makes the lunch preparation faster and teaches kids to be responsible for their things.

Let Them Have Fun with Finger Foods

Kids love finger foods since they are small and could be easily handled; therefore, an assortment of small easy-to-eat items can make lunch feel like a mini-feast. Bento boxes or lunch containers with separate compartments keep foods separate and allow for a variety without the flavors blending. Include sliced turkey rolled up, cubes of cheese, grapes, cherry tomatoes, and small sandwiches or wraps cut into quarters. Variety makes things interesting and offers an ease of grazing on that which they like.

Make Sandwich Alternatives Creative

Though they are the majority’s go-to lunch meal, sandwiches get very boring rather quickly. Mix things up with whole wheat wraps, pita bread, or mini bagels instead of plain bread. You can fill those with turkey and cheese, hummus and veggies or cream cheese and cucumber slices. Other options besides sandwiches could include pasta salad with veggies, a small quesadilla with black beans and cheese, or even a home-made muffin to which you may add grated veggies for added nutrition.

Let Kids Have Choice and Input

Kids seem more enthusiastic about lunchtime if they have a say in it. Try to commit just a little time over the weekend or one to two nights a week to packing lunch with them. Allow your child to choose one thing or two items they want in their lunchbox. For instance, have them pick out a favorite fruit or certain yogurt. Even more fun, make it a ritual to select a “fruit of the week” or “veggie of the day” to get them jazzed about healthy choices. Let the kids perform simple tasks such as washing the fruits and veggies or assembling the wraps. They will be much more excited to sit down and eat when it feels like a meal they made, and pride and ownership breed much fonder feelings toward lunch.

Include an Occasional Treat

What a wonderful way to surprise and delight your child, just by adding in one tiny treat. Keep lunch healthy, but even a mini cookie or a few pieces of dark chocolate make lunchtime a little special without loading up on sugar. It is all about balance, but showing your child that healthy eating still includes treats creates a great attitude toward food.

Conclusion

Packing a lunch that your child will eat needn’t be an ordeal. Emphasize color, variety, balanced portions, and appealing flavors, and you’re well on your way to a lunchbox that is as healthy as it is inviting. With just a little planning and some creativity, lunch time could be something to be looked forward to each day. Get your kid involved, and try new recipes together. Take pride in the satisfaction of packing a lunch he really will love!