Cooking Tips: Cool School Lunch Ideas for Kids
Submitted by
Doug
You get sick of the same turkey on wheat, and your kids aren't likely to get excited about the same packed lunch every school day either. So how do you pack in the nutrients and still keep your kids interested? It's time to think outside the lunch box and get cooking!
You can mix and match different proteins and a variety of carbs in assorted arrangements so that you and your kids are both happy with lunchtime options.
Here are some cooking tips for a cool school lunch:
You can mix and match different proteins and a variety of carbs in assorted arrangements so that you and your kids are both happy with lunchtime options.
Here are some cooking tips for a cool school lunch:
- Proteins can include classic sandwich fodder like ham, turkey, cheese or peanut butter or other nut or seed butters (almond and sunflower are yummy). Other kid-friendly proteins include boiled eggs, hummus, cottage cheese, yogurt or leftover meats from dinner at home like roast chicken or meatballs.
- Carbs should include some veggies or fruit and high fiber options like whole grain breads, pasta, bagels, tortillas, crackers, rice, couscous, or even more adventures grains like wheatberries or quinoa.
- Here's another cooking tip: Forget sandwiches for a while and tune in to what the foods your kids are fun. Are they nuts for kabobs? Maybe it's the bite-size bits! Add a container of cubed meat or cheese with their favorite fruits and veggies. Do they like to mix up their own salads? Let them throw together their own pasta salad. Are they sushi fans? Help them wrap up rolls with their favorite fillings.
- Punch up your packaging to make your kids' lunches more enticing. They aren't drawn to those preservative-laden ready-made lunch packs because they taste good! Invest in a fun thermos (get a favorite character design, or a plain one they can decorate with permanent markers), a cute bento box, colorful reusable bags or containers, and a sharp insulated lunch box. Sometimes for the littlest eaters, presentation is everything.
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