Lunchbox Ideas for Children

Lunchbox ideas for children is your guide to raising healthy and responsible kids. Children need a lot of energy and clear mind to keep them through their busy schedules. It is so sad that parents opt to feed their children with empty calories which do nothing for the kid’s brains and energy. All kids would choose the high GI foods if they are given an opportunity. They don’t know better but fortunately as parents we do. The following is a few guidelines for preparing kids’ lunchboxes.

1. Carbohydrates

Like adults’ diet, the children’s diet is planned around healthy carbohydrates. Think interesting sandwiches, home baked muffins, healthy crackers and bars. Make sure the child’s food is pleasant to the eye as kids are very fussy eaters. A variety is the name of the game. Never bore your child with the same sandwich filling everyday. Be creative and even with interesting shapes of foods.

2. Fruit

Presentation of your fruit should be attractive to your child. Kids love food that is in easy to eat portions like sticks. Slicing apples makes them easier to handle with smaller hands compared to a whole apple. You may try a fruit salad with various fruit slices.

A fruit juice is also a good alternative. However a whole fruit has fibre benefits which is not fond in the juice. Some fruit juices are also packed with preservatives. Fizzy drinks are not a good idea and can damage the small teeth.

3. Vegetables

This is probably the most difficult food group for your child to enjoy. It is part of our Lunchbox ideas for children guide and should be part of your child’s life. Presentation is again key when it comes to vegetables. Try to introduce your child to vegetables at every dinner meal. Let your child see you eating vegetables. Cut your vegetables into lovely shapes like carrot and cucumber sticks. Don’t overwhelm them with a lot of vegetables initially. A few stick will be enough.

4. Protein

Your child needs protein to provide him/ her with the B vitamins and iron. You can play around with fillers like cold meats, cheeses, peanut butter, hard boiled eggs with mayonnaise, etc. Fish is good for their brains. Please avoid fried proteins.

5. Dairy

It is very important for your child to get enough calcium for their growing bones. Most kids would love a tub of smooth yoghurt or a cup of drinking yoghurt in their lunchbox. Cheese as a sandwich filler will also help with both calcium and protein.

6. Preparation

The only important preparation advice I have for you is to involve your child in his/her lunchbox preparation. Let them feel they are part of what you are doing and they are important in taking the decisions on what they should eat. These healthy lunchbox ideas for children should be applied with the playful and hygienic preparation practice.

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