The schools have begun and moms and kids are on the run!
We are on the same boat if you are a mom like me who has to pack lunch for a preschooler every morning. My main concerns for preparing and having a healthy lunch for kids include:
- Something that is fast to prepare – no more than 15 minutes in preparation time please!
- Healthy – no junk food
- Easy to eat / Finger food – nothing messy or runny
Sharing with you some of my favorite quick lunch pack combos:
- Macaroni Cheese / Yogurt / Juice
- Sandwiches / Milk / Banana
- Veggie Wheat Noodles / Yogurt / Juice
- Idlis (rice cakes) / Fruit Bowl / Juice
- Rice / Boiled Eggs / Smoothie
- Whole Wheat Pancakes / Fresh Cut Fruits / Cheese
- Leftovers from yesterday that they loved – helpful for those really stressed out mornings
Most of all make it fun and healthy!
If you can, do buy a lunch bag that appeals to your child, (s)he would be delighted to call it his/her own and an incentive to open it up with a smile! Or pack something colorful like a sticker or a smiley on a napkin to bring a smile on your little one’s face.
Some tips from these helpful articles on healthy eating for preschoolers:
- http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/filelibrary/2020/3475.pdf#search=%22lunch%20ideas%20for%20preschoolers%20%22
- http://www.vrg.org/recipes/schoolers.htm
- http://preschoolerstoday.com/articles/766.php?wcat=462
- http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/school_lunches.htm
Happy Packing!