Back then in school, my favorite time of the day was lunch hours. I always looked forward to it, not just because I wanted to eat, but because I needed it to replenish myself. By midday, I was already tired from all the chemistry, physics and mathematics lessons. So, lunch time was very much important to me. A time where I can eat a nice meal and get my energy level up again to tackle the rest of the day. Packing lunches rather than buying them, allows parents to curate a meal box that fits their child’s nutritional needs, while still making sure that they enjoy what they eat.
However, packing lunches isn’t always easy, especially for busy parents. There’s already too much such people can do in a day, between work, extracurricular activities, everything else on the to-do list, and still finding the time to make healthy meals can really be overwhelming. Because of how tough it can be to prepare lunch and meal boxes for the kids, I’ll be sharing with you today practical tips to help you get through this phase.
Tips for Packing Healthy Lunches
Planning ahead
This is the first tip because you can never go wrong with planning ahead. Firstly, you need to consider weekly meal planning. Take out time each week to plan out lunches that you’re going to make for the kids for the rest of the week. It is always easier in the morning when you know exactly what you’re packing.
Secondly, you can come up with a rotation of lunch ideas that the kids actually like. That way, you make sure that they’re actually getting the nutrients that they need and they’re eating exactly what they like. Did you know that there are some kids that come home without even touching their lunch, only their snacks? In a case like this, all you need to do is get the kids involved in the planning process. Let them pick out their lunch options, which will make them more excited to eat what you pack.
Choosing healthy ingredients
Aim for a colorful mix of fruits and vegetables, which are highly packed with nutrients and vitamins that the kids need. You can actually make the vegetables and fruit fun by getting fruit cutters shaped like different cartoon characters or different animals. That way the kids are excited to eat whenever they see fruit chops in their lunchboxes.
Next, you’ll want to include lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or even tofu, which will help the kids stay focused in class. Other ingredients you should consider include: whole grain bread, wraps, or rice.
They are way better than white bread and they also give more nutrients. Lastly, you can include healthy fats like avocado or nuts, which will help them with brain health and also make the meals satisfying.
Packing
There’s are a couple of reusable containers and bags on the market, so you can invest in some of them, which you can use to pack the kids’ lunches and snacks. They are eco-friendly and they also keep things very organized and fresh for when the child wants to eat.
Secondly, you have to be mindful of the portion sizes you give to the kid in order to avoid packing too much. This will help reduce waste and also ensure that the child isn’t overfed but gets the right amount of food that they need.
Thirdly, do not overcomplicate things. All you have to consider is a balanced meal containing the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats). Just make sure it looks good and is easy to eat. Kids are more likely to enjoy foods that are really appealing and straightforward.
Bottom Line
Packing lunches lets parents customize meals to fit their kids’ nutritional needs while keeping it fun. I get that making healthy meals can be tough for busy parents with everything on their plate. But with some smart planning, getting kids involved in choosing their lunches, and picking the right ingredients, it can actually be pretty manageable.
