Strong bodies come from happy tummies.
“You did not finish your lunch even today!”
Are you a mom searching for the best lunch ideas for kids online?
As mothers, it breaks our hearts when we find those tiffin boxes still heavy while taking them out. Several thoughts instantly start processing.
My kid must be hungry the whole day. Why did he not finish his lunch? Was the food not appealing? What should I pack him for the next day?……………
Hold on Moms, you are not alone in this. We all mothers go through the same problem at some point. And we need to fix this up! So rather than surfing the whole day about attractive lunch ideas for kids at school, get to the root cause.
Wholesome nutrition is essential for kids. Do not forget that there can be several factors for those half-eaten lunch boxes. Begin with understanding the root cause of the problem. You can then find out some healthy options. Eliminating any junk from your kid’s lunch box is needed. Finally, get your kid involved in the process. Let us discuss them one by one and get some practical solutions.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Problem
Dear Parents, before you jump to solutions, have you ever wondered why your kid does not finish his lunch? Don’t you think they would have been hungry enough to grab it?
The answer to your query can be a yes/no. There are several reasons why kids often either do not finish/ not touch their school lunches.
- A- Change in taste preferences for the day.
- B- Peer pressure. They are not “so” attractive meals as their friends.
- C- Not hungry during lunch break.
- D- Busy with other stuff (playing/social interaction).
It is sometimes okay to let your child be. Do not panic if you see the lunch box still filled. You can talk with your child and find out what led to this.
Focus on providing a balanced diet for the rest of the day.
Have a chat with your kid about this. And this should not be in a hush-hush! Figure out the best time for both you and your child to be in a relaxed zone. And this is the time to listen moms. Allow your child to speak rather than showering him with your questions.
But Moms, if you find this pattern getting imitated regularly, it’s time to chat with the school authorities. Here are some of the queries that you want to ask them.
- Is this a concern for a majority of the guardians?
- Does your child eat food from outside/ of his peers?
- What does your child do during lunch breaks?
Lunch Ideas for Kids: Healthy Snacks
The TOI stated how our kids fall short of the prescribed daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Of every 100 school kids (classes 5-12), only 53 and 28 eat the suggested vegetables and fruits respectively daily.
Dear Parents, you can snip healthy snacks into your kid’s lunch boxes. This will give a fresh look and complete a proper meal.
Healthy Snacks For Kids: 6 Ways to Make Your Picky Eater Love Them
But before you think of any fancy lunch ideas for kids, find out your kid’s likes/dislikes.
As a kid, I was not too fond of bananas. Although they have a lot of nutrient value, nothing motivated me to eat. Mumma understood this and never packed it into my lunch box. However, she had her ways of feeding me bananas (shakes).
I sometimes pack fruit sandwiches with homemade peanut butter. A hint of dry fruits gives an extra touch to the look and taste of it. My daughter loves it very much. The last day I even got a call from one of her classmates. Her mom wanted to know how Vanshika’s sandwiches were so yummy!!
Here is a list of some healthy snacks that you can pack for your kid:
| Category | Snack Item |
|---|---|
| Fruits & Vegetables | Sliced fruit with/without dressing |
| Grain & Pulses | Mini idli & dosas |
| Grain & Pulses | Upma |
| Grain & Pulses | Chila(with fillings) |
| Grain & Pulses | Rolled chapatis with paneer fillings |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Carrot/cucumber sticks with chaat masala sprinkled |
Moms, along with a healthy and energy-packed lunch for your kid, there are some healthy tips that you need to follow.
The Perfect Lunchboxes- Say No to Junk
The word junk sounds weird to you Moms. We all try to give our kids the healthiest food possible for lunch. However, an article in Researchgate states kids from poor and middle-class families have high junk intake. And almost half of India’s adolescents (10-19 age group) fall short of nutrition (short, thin) or are overweight/obese.
So moms and dads, stop giving those pastries, instant noodles, chips and similar junks in your kid’s tiffin. Even those instant energy drinks and causes can be replaced by homemade ones.
Here is what you can replace these food items with:
| Junk Food Items | Healthier alternatives (Homemade) |
|---|---|
| Processed Snacks | Baked chips- Sweet potato/beetroot |
| Energy Bars | Whole wheat/multigrain crackers |
| Ready to make Items | Freshly made |
| Deep fried food items | Grilled/Baked at home |
| Chocolates/candies | Homemade chocolates |
| Flavoured Drinks | Less sweetened made with fruits |
The best solution is to check the list of ingredients before buying any food item. You can follow Revant Himatsingka (Food Pharmer) to understand better what’s good for you and your family.
These healthier alternatives taste similar/ in some cases better than the market-available options.
Moms, if you do not have time to make kids special homemade food items like sauces, dips, and peanut butter, you can at least check the ingredients before buying.
There are good quality products available. These products can be a bit more expensive than those regularly available options, but nothing comes before health.
Involving Your Child
It sounds funny. But getting kids involved in their lunch box preparations can help you, moms!
You both can decide on the menu the night before. Start with all the available ingredients at home. Since you need to get that tiffin packed early in the morning, anything unavailable can be skipped for later(the next day).
Here’s an example:
Conclusion
Moms, conquering that empty tiffin can be great. By implementing these “mom tricks, ” you can transform that boring tiffin time into a fulfilling experience for your child. Every child is unique, and you must figure out the best way for your munchkin. So rather than exploring the internet about fancy lunch ideas for kids at school, you can focus on some real solutions to let your child accept his tiffin with love. Let’s work together to create a generation of healthy and happy eaters!
FAQs
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What should I do if my kid does not eat his lunch at school?
Instead of scolding, ask your kid why he didn’t eat his lunch. You can also work on preparing a meal plan for tiffin together.
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How can I include more vegetables in my child’s lunchbox?
Sneak colourful veggies into your kid’s sandwiches and wraps. To make it interesting, add a hint of homemade dips.
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Is it bad to not eat lunch at school?
Skipping lunch at school is not advisable. If your child does so, speak to him and find out the reasons for it.
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