Healthy Lunch Box Ideas for Kids
Lunch boxes are perhaps the most challenging meals we prepare for our children. Finding lunch options that are delicious, nutritious, and easy for children to eat by themselves – can be a tedious task. We have listed some fresh lunch ideas that will help brighten up the little box of joy you make for your children and ensure an empty lunch box at the end of the day!
Tips for Packing School Lunches
1. Plan Your Lunchbox– Set aside a few minutes every evening to plan your school lunch and prep as much as possible. It will save cooking time in the morning and make the process easier. You could prepare dosa batter, stuffing for paratha, or knead the chapati dough to prepare.
2. Involve Your Children in Lunchbox Planning – Involving children in planning the lunchbox can help them feel enthusiastic about their school lunch. Ask them to choose from a list of healthy options and allow them to chop fruits and vegetables.
3. Bento Box – A bento box is a steel lunch box with several compartments. You can pack the main entrée for the school lunch and snacks like nuts, fruits, or sweets. Bento boxes have sections for condiments like sauces and chutneys, too. They make the lunch look colorful and appetizing – making your child smile as soon as they open their lunch!
4. Thermos – If your child enjoys hot soups, noodles, or pasta – pack them in a thermos to keep them warm. This idea is beneficial in the cold weather. Your children may find a thermos of warm soup comforting on a cold winter day.
5. Balanced Meal – To ensure that your children get all the nutrients they need, pack a variety of foods to balance the meal. Besides, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains include healthy snacks like nuts, nutrition bars, and sweet treats.
Healthy Lunch Box Recipes for Children
1. Spinach Corn Sandwich + Orange + Almonds or Pistachios – Spinach and corn make a lovely combination for sandwich stuffing. It is full of nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins. Orange slices are great for lunchboxes as they stay fresh for long. Add nuts like almonds or pistachios for various tastes and added nutrients.
2. Vegetable Rolls – Vegetable rolls are nutritious and easy to prepare. Choose vegetables your child enjoys and add some delicious sauces to elevate the taste. If you know how to make jowar roti, use it as a healthy alternative to tortillas or parathas made from refined flour.
3. Jowar Roti Pizza – Leftover jowar roti makes for a lovely pizza base the following day. Add healthy toppings like vegetables, low-fat cheese, and homemade tomato sauce. Traditional pizza is considered unhealthy due to the refined flour base. Jowar roti is gluten-free and nutritious for your children.
4. Besan Chilla – A popular breakfast item in north India, the besan chilla is also a good option for school lunches. It stays fresh, soft, and edible for hours and is yummy. Make your chilla healthy by adding grated carrots, finely chopped bell peppers and red onions.
5. Chapati Noodles + Makhana Raita + Pomegranate – Use leftover rotis to make delicious chapati noodles with flavorful Asian sauces and colorful vegetables. Makhanas or foxnuts are super healthy and tasty with yoghurt. And pomegranate adds a fruity freshness twist to this wholesome lunchbox.
6. Corn Cutlets – Add corn and other vegetables to make healthy cutlets. Instead of frying them in oil, use an air fryer or bake them in an oven. Corn cutlets are an excellent combination of health and taste. Remember to give a delicious chutney or sauce to eat with the cutlets.
7. Rajma Chawal + Yoghurt with Chia Seeds + Orange – Rajma chawal is a delicious and nutritious meal enjoyed across India. The best thing about rajma and rice is that they are rich in healthy carbohydrates and proteins while tasting delicious. Add another dose of protein with chia seeds in yoghurt, and for dessert, go for fresh orange slices to offset the spicy taste of rajma.
8. Butternut Squash Pasta + Dry Grapes + Orange – Butternut squash is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that all children enjoy. Use fresh butternut squash to make a delightful sauce, and add freshly boiled pasta. You can use tricolor pasta to make it look even more colorful and fun for your child. Dry grapes work well as a dessert, and oranges are the best choice of fruit.
Lunch boxes are more than just food; they are an extension of your love and care for your children while they learn at school. Everyone wants their children to enjoy their lunch daily, but coming up with innovative ideas every day can be cumbersome. We hope you try some of the recipes mentioned above, and if you have any unique lunch box ideas that your kids love – share them with us, too!