If your kids are sick and tired of the same old lunches every day, but you're out of healthy meal ideas that your children actually like, expand your repertoire. To keep children interested in healthy foods, incorporate a variety of bright colors and favorite foods into the dish. If your child loves macaroni and cheese, for example, switch up your normal mac and cheese recipe to include veggies, including broccoli. If your child has health conditions or allergies, consult a doctor before making changes to her diet.
Cold Pizza
Many kids are more likely to eat a packed meal if it's full of foods that are fun to eat. If your child is a pizza lover, pack a mini pizza in his lunch, recommends heath website KidsHealth.com in the article titled "School Lunches." Mixing small pieces of cooked vegetables, including shredded carrots and broccoli florets, into the sauce will ensure your child gets adequate nutritional value in her lunch without even knowing she's eating veggies. Spread the sauce on an English muffin or a bagel. Top the pizza with a small amount of low-fat mozzarella cheese, then place the pizza in the oven until the cheese is bubbly. Allow the pizza to cool, then place it in the refrigerator overnight in a leftover container. Place the container in your child's lunchbox first thing in the morning for a delicious meal.
Fish-Shaped Tuna Sandwich
If your child usually throws his square-shaped tuna sandwich in the garbage can, switch up its shape. Cutting the tuna sandwich into a fish shape with a cookie cutter will keep your child interested in his lunch until the very last bite, says "Parents" magazine in the article titled "Healthy School Lunches and Snacks." If your child is picky about eating vegetables, include very thin carrot and celery sticks sticks with a small amount of dressing or peanut butter for your child to dip the veggies into. Adding a small bunch of grapes and a few crackers as side dishes will round out the meal into a nutritious and complete lunch.
Turkey Roll-Ups
If you frequently give your child a boring, old sandwich for lunch, transform his sandwich into a roll-up. Placing a few pieces of turkey on a whole-wheat tortilla, then rolling the ingredients and slicing them like a sushi roll will create a fun-to-eat lunch. For a more complete meal, add lettuce, tomato and other veggies to the roll-up. Include fruit, like apple slices or strawberries with a small amount of caramel sauce to dip into for dessert.
Member Comments