The new school year is on the horizon – which means a new year of packing lunches and snacks that provide our students with the nutrition and energy they need that they will actually eat. This can feel like a never-ending, uphill battle, but fear not – we’ve got some creative ideas and tips to freshen up that lunch bag!
\n \nTip #1 – Know your child
\nSome kids are perfectly happy having the exact same lunch day in and day out, while others need variety. Some kids prefer to eat bigger meals at home and will only snack during the day. Balanced nutrition should also consider the meals your child consumes at home as well as any sensory, lifestyle, or allergy challenges.
\nTip #2 – Have the right tools for the job
\nIf your kid likes a large selection of options to pick from, you’ll want a different lunch container than if your kid prefers a composed meal. Consider aspects like temperature control, leakage, and ease of use. The cutest lunch box supplies become quickly frustrating if your student can’t open them independently.
\nTip #3 – Include your child
\nThis tip is for food in general, not just when packing for school lunches. The more you involve your child in shopping, cooking, and packing their meals, the more likely they are to consume what has been provided.
\nPlus, this gives you great opportunities for practicing life skills and bonding!
\nTip #4 – Fed is best
\nJust like when your child was an infant, the most important thing to know is that fed is best. Ideally, everyone would get the correct balance of fruits, vegetables, and proteins every single day – in reality, this may not happen and that is okay. Do your best to provide your child with a wide range of options and let go of perfection.
\nLunch box suggestions
\nThermos meatballs. One of the easiest meals I’ve sent to school was a hot thermos of meatballs. The trick is to heat them in the morning using a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot® and some chicken or beef stock. It only takes eight to ten minutes to pressurecook from frozen in the morning. The thermos can be prepared for use by filling it with boiling water while the meatballs cook. Then, empty the thermos and fill with meatballs and some of the hot stock, which will help keep the meatballs at a comfortable temperature until lunch time. I pair this with a favorite carbohydrate snack (goldfish crackers, veggie straws, etc.) and a raw vegetable (cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, etc.).
\nYogurt or tofu. Another great option for thermos use is to freeze a thermos overnight and fill with yogurt or dessert-style tofu for a filling and cool lunch. You can use any flavor your child likes and add fresh, frozen, or canned fruit either directly into the thermos or packed separately to be added in. I normally pair this with a small container of granola that can be sprinkled on top when it is time to eat for added crunch.
\nBento/Snackle box. A favorite for the indecisive and the perfect use for the many adorable bento-style lunch boxes that are available. This method involves packing a large variety of options in smaller portions, like assembling a charcuterie board. Anything goes when packing! Try cheese and crackers, hardboiled eggs, trail mix, energy bites, fruit and veggie skewers, applesauce, yogurt drinks, mini sandwiches, wraps, fruit salad, pasta salad, and more.! You can make things fun with themes and cutting selections into fun shapes, or you can leave things utilitarian. The key to this option is variety.
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Trista is a stay-at-home mom and loves to share her discoveries about how to make life work for families of all kinds.
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