School has begun in most parts of the country, and will soon begin for the rest. While kids are all excited about new stationery and books, Moms are busy racking their brains about what to fill in their kids’ lunchboxes!!
So why is lunchbox planning so challenging? Kids are fussy eaters in general, but at school, they also begin to compare their lunch with that of other kids, and let’s face it – most kids suffer from the ‘grass is greener on the other side’ syndrome! Moms need to work on keeping the lunchbox interesting and nutritious at the same time, without having to spend hours in the kitchen for this purpose.
To make life easier for all Moms out there, here is a list of easy yet yummy and wholesome lunch box recipes for kids.
Lunch Box Recipes for Kids
Click on any picture to go to the recipe page
Of course, lunchbox recipes are helpful, but here are some more tips to know about packing your child’s lunchbox:
1. Get kids involved. The more kids are involved in their own lunchboxes, the less likely they are to make a fuss! Try taking them when shopping for groceries and when preparing your weekly meal plan.
2. Include lunchbox planning in your meal planning. Some Moms plan lunchboxes for an entire month, but you can at least do so for a week. This takes out the major part of lunchbox stress! This also helps in bulk cooking and incorporating leftovers.
3. Be balanced. Try to include a good mix of carbs, protein and fruits and vegetables. Don’t stress about every lunch; it just needs to be balanced over the course of the week.
4. Do the prep during the night. Don’t wait for morning to start your child’s lunch from scratch. By doing prep work the previous night, you can save valuable time in the morning.
5. Have an assortment of lunchboxes. Different meals require differently shaped boxes – what works for a rice-raitha lunch may not work for a sandwich lunch. It also breaks the monotony of opening the same old lunch box everyday.
6. Pack smart. We live in a tropical climate, so always consider food spoilage when packing. Keep dry and wet foods separate. Use airtight containers for gravy-like items which may spill. Pack a spoon or fork as required. And don’t forget a napkin!!
Our easy lunchbox recipes and tips should make lunchbox planning and packing a breeze now, leaving behind a relaxed Mom and a child who happily finishes his lunch!