A guide to packing school lunches for picky eaters
As we gear up for back-to-school season, parents everywhere face the challenge of packing a lunch box that their picky eaters will actually enjoy. It can be tough to find a nutritious and appealing meal that will satisfy even the most difficult of eaters, but with a little creativity and preparation, it's possible to make lunchtime both exciting and delicious. In this blog, we'll explore lunchbox ideas that are sure to win over your picky eater and keep them satisfied throughout the school day.
Involve them in the process
Creating lunches that your kids will love can be an enjoyable and engaging experience. The best way to start the process is by communicating with your child. Talk to them about what they like eating and take them to the grocery store with you. When they're involved in the decision-making, they feel more in control and may be more willing to try new things.
Pack a favorite food
Before sending new foods with your child to school, introduce and try them at home first to gauge whether your child likes them, avoiding any potential disappointments. A creative way to ensure that lunchtime is a success is to incorporate their favorite meal in a way that allows them to customize it. Instead of sending the whole dish prepared, involve them in the process by providing separate compartments with components of their choice. For example, if they love breakfast foods, pack compartments with waffles or pancakes, fresh fruits, yogurts, and various toppings. This way, they can assemble it during lunch, which adds excitement and lets them feel in control of their lunch choices while enjoying every bite.
Bento box creations
Bento boxes have transformed lunchtime in recent years. These lunch boxes offer a perfect solution for creative lunch ideas, with separate compartments for fruits, veggies, cheese cubes, crackers, and more. This makes the food easy for children to eat on their own, without needing to be reheated. Simply cut the food into bite-sized pieces and arrange it in a visually appealing way to make lunchtime enjoyable and appetizing for your child.
Finger food
Children often love eating with their hands, so why not embrace it? Try filling a lunch box with nutritious finger foods that are easy to munch on, such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, pretzel sticks, fruit kabobs, or mini sandwiches like PB&J or sliders. Eating with their fingers can often make picky eaters more excited about their meal.
DIY lunchables
Kids love Lunchables, but the pre-packaged ones sold in stores may not always be the healthiest option. A better alternative is to create your own DIY Lunchables using whole-grain crackers, low-fat deli meats, cheese, fresh fruits, vegetables, or even a homemade pizza kit. You can also include your child's favorite treat. By making your own, you'll not only give your child the fun of assembling their meal, but you'll also have complete control over the ingredients to ensure they are healthy.
Sneak in nutrients
For extremely picky eaters who refuse certain foods altogether, try sneaking in some extra nutrients without them even realizing it. For example, blend vegetables into a tasty pasta sauce like creamy zucchini pasta, veggie patties, or prepare a delicious kid-friendly smoothie with hidden greens and fruits. This way, your child will get the essential nutrients they need without any fuss.
Fun shapes and colors
Make mealtime more fun for your child by using cookie cutters to cut their sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables into playful shapes like stars, hearts, or animals. This is sure to bring a smile to their face. You can also add a variety of colors to their lunchbox to make it visually appealing and more enticing to eat.
At Doona, we're here to make lunch packing for picky eaters a stress-free experience. Benefit from our expert tips for creating nutritious and delicious lunches that your child will love. Explore our innovative products like the Doona Car Seat & Stroller and Liki Trike, designed to simplify your everyday parenting journey. Together, we can ensure your child gets the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Happy lunch packing!
