With schools re-opening across the country, the back-to-school routine has returned. Now it’s time to pull out the backpacks from the closets, launder the clothing, and clean out the lunch bag — that hopefully doesn’t still have food in it from 2020.
Amongst the many tasks that parents have to take on, lunches — particularly when your child is a picky eater — can be the most grueling part of the preparations. Add to that the before-school rush that parents are all too familiar with, and it gets even more daunting. But here are some ways that you can make a healthy kids’ lunch — ahead of time — to help your mornings run smoother.
Why is eating healthy important?
Healthy ideas for lunch
Healthy treats that teens and tweens will love, and younger kids will ask for, too? Yes, please!
Spinach and turkey pinwheels
Pinwheels can be a popular choice amongst moms since they have simple ingredients and are easy to prep beforehand. Test out this recipe for spinach and turkey pinwheels on your child to see if this versatile meal can be on your lunch rotation.
Japanese rice balls (Onigiri)
Rice balls are the perfect choice for a child who get excited about the shape and look of a meal. Rice balls are also a good choice for parents, considering how easy they are to make beforehand with leftover rice.
Soba Noodle Salad
Noodles, in general, present a great way to bring in flavorful vegetables and proteins, and soba noodles are an even healthier choice as they are made out of buckwheat. Try this Soba Noodle Salad that will pack easily in a lunchbox.
Mini Pizza Bites
Sometimes the key to getting your child to eat is found by having them participate in the process. With your child, cook up pizza bites made in muffin cups that will help her see the joy in eating what was cooked.
Breakfast for Lunch
Sometimes kids just want to eat breakfast all day, so why not scramble an extra egg and pour the last bit of pancake batter onto the stove. This unexpected lunchtime meal might bring out a large smile on his face.
Test out different recipes one at a time to see if it passes the test — when your child brings home an empty lunch box.
Safe food storage containers
With the yummy meals prepared, what will be the safe way to store them so that they don’t get spoiled by lunchtime? Here are a couple of safe food storage ideas suggested by moms — make sure to also include a non-toxic, kid-safe ice pack to keep food from spoiling, especially during the warm fall months.
Bento Boxes
Bento boxes are have separate compartments and can keep food either hot or cold. Mom.com’s Monica Oliver shared her top pick for a bento box.
Reusable Storage Bags
Reusable storage bags are also a great way to help keep snacks stored throughout the day while also being eco-friendly. Paige Brettingen from Mom.com pointed out her choice for snack bags.
