Back-to-school season means additional planning for parents, especially when it comes to meals.
Packing a school lunch that is both healthy and appealing to your child can be a daunting task. But, with a little bit of creativity, it doesn’t have to be!
Here are some tips for packing school lunches that your kids will actually eat!
Know their preferences.
You know your kids better than anyone else, so you should know their favorite foods. Use this to your advantage when packing their lunch. For example, if you know they love PB&Js, fill one for them. If they can’t get enough carrots and dip, then include that in their lunch. The key is ensuring kid-friendly food is included in their lunch, so they actually eat it and enjoy it.
Of course, it doesn’t mean you should indulge them too much and pack not-so-healthy food all the time. Be curious about what kind of healthy food works for them and incorporate that into their lunch. Their favorites might surprise you!
Let your kids help pack their lunches
Let them help you choose what goes in their lunch boxes and let them pack it themselves. This will give them a sense of ownership over their lunch and make them more likely to actually eat it.
Sandwiches, of course, are always a classic lunch box staple. But, if your kids are bored of sandwiches, there are plenty of other options. You could do wraps, quesadillas, or even just put some deli meat and cheese on crackers. Just make sure to vary it so your kids don’t get sick of their lunches.
Avoid packing too much.
Overpacking may be a reason your kids aren’t eating all their lunch. They may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of food they have to eat!
Try packing light and include just enough food to satisfy your child without making them feel stuffed. This is where packing smart also comes in. foods with enough protein and fiber to keep them fuller, longer.
Use fun lunch boxes and cutouts for visual appeal.
Make lunchtime fun by packing it in fun lunch boxes and using cutouts to form different shapes and figures with their food. This will make them want to actually open their lunch boxes and show their classmates the cool stuff you’ve packed. Plus, it increases the likelihood that they’ll eat everything that’s inside.
Avoid trying new things.
A school lunch period is not the time to be experimenting with food. Chances are, your child is going to turn their nose up at something they’ve never tried before, especially if they’re not a very adventurous eater.
Instead, pack food that they’re familiar with. If you want to start switching things up, test out new foods on the weekend or in the evenings. This way, you’ll get a better idea of what they like and what they’ll eat, and you won’t be leaving them hungry at school.
Check out what the school offers
If you’re having a difficult time planning lunch every day, you can switch up your kids’ routines by allowing them to eat what the school cafeteria is offering. These days, schools are incorporating healthier lunch options, which is great news for parents who want to give their children a nutritious meal.
Before you send your kids off to school with their packed lunches, check out what the school is offering and see if it’s something that your child would be interested in eating instead. This way, you can narrow your options down and save yourself some time and energy in the morning.
