Kids can be challenging to feed. It is advisable to let them get used to eating fresh and healthy food in their formative years. This way, they could develop a palate and appetite for home cooking and not fast food items that are high in sodium. You want them to be familiar with the flavors of various fruits and vegetables to balance out the meats and fats in their diets. But there will come a time when you can no longer watch over them. They eventually will have to go to school, and you have to trust the teachers to look out for them. You still have control over what to pack their lunchboxes though.
Which types of food are the best to include in your kid’s lunchbox? There are many choices out there, but not all of them are fit for the menu. You have to consider the child’s time constraints and convenience, so you have to make sure you have something healthy, presentable, and easy to eat. Aside from that nicely packaged aseptic fruit puree, here are other items that you may want to consider including in your kid’s menu.
Ideal Fruits
A banana could be the ultimate fruit for the lunchbox. It has a thick but easy-to-remove peel. Taking a bite will let you experience its sweet taste and soft texture. As for its health benefits, your kid’s immune system will be reinforced because this yellow wonder has vitamin C. This is also a great source of vitamin B6, which is great for the nerve.
Another fruit that you can include in the box is the apple. Make sure that you rinse it off before packing it in so all your kid has to do is eat it. It features a crunchy texture and a burst of juicy flavor in every bite. Snacking on it is a great way for a child to feel refreshed after playtime. Just like the banana, the apple is a good source of vitamin C.
Carbs and Protein
Sourcing carbohydrates and protein for your kid’s meal should not be all difficult. You just need to find ways that you can present that conveniently because it is best to have the child eat out of the lunchbox without much trouble. Otherwise, they could create a mess or give up on eating it altogether.
Sandwiches are great because you don’t need utensils to eat them and yet you can say that each one is a full meal already. You have your carbs in the bread, throw in a slice of ham there for your protein, and then add a few leaves of lettuce to balance things out. If you do not like that, you can come up with your own combination.
If you want to serve your child a rice meal, there’s a great selection of meat products you can add there short of going the processed route. If you can, take out instant throwaways like bones and pork skin so your child finishes off their meal clean. Soups are out of the question, but if you want to add some juiciness, you can brush the meat with sauces. As for seafood, it would be best if you serve fish as a filet and have the shrimps shelled.
Ideal Veggies
Just like the ideal fruits, the ideal vegetable should be something that is ready to eat. One example would be the carrot. It is a good source of vitamin A, which will keep the eyes healthy. What is great about it is it has a nice mix of earthy and sweet flavor that kids like, and it adds color to make the meal look enticing.
If you want your kid to have a good source of fiber, a leafy vegetable like the lettuce fits the bill. This has a subtle bitterness, but it can add some bite to your meal with its crunchiness.
The lunchbox keeps things simple, but it plays a big role in your child’s sustenance. A flip of the lid should greet them with an appetizing set of food. But you have to carefully pick what you are packing. It is a balancing act between providing them a nutritious meal and making things convenient for them. It just goes to show that packing a lunchbox is a parent’s labor of love.
