Preparing and packing the lunch box may be easy, but the question is do your kids finish their tiffin box? In many scenarios, the answer is a BIG NO! We understand that mommies make the best and most tasty food for their children. But still, kids feel bored many times with the repeated recipes and end up wasting food. We blindly promise you, this blog is more useful for all the mommies and cooking enthusiasts to make your kids lick their lunch boxes. Check out some of the nutritious lunchbox ideas for children. 

Add Colours to Food

Children need colours and fun in both their meals and games. They get attracted to shades easily, so pack the lunch with a lot of colourful fruits and vegetables. This makes them explore more about the food. 

Packing a Variety of Foods in Your Child’s Lunchbox

Along with the main portion add their favourite fruits and vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and tomato slices (if they prefer). You can also add ghee-fried nuts for crunchiness. 

Instead of plain parathas and side dishes replace them with stuffed parathas with magic masalas. Kids just love it. 

Healthy Snack Options for Kids’ Lunchboxes

Minimise or avoid sugary snacks, sodas, and juices, which can lead to energy crashes and dental issues. Opt for healthier alternatives like a homemade health mix with nuts and dried fruits, a plain yoghurt with fresh berries, or homemade smoothies made with natural ingredients.

Make It Visually Appealing

Present the food in an appealing way by using colourful containers, small compartments, or silicone muffin cups to separate items. This can make the meal more visually appealing and encourage your child to eat their lunch.

Avoid Processed and Fried Foods

Reduce processed and fried foods, such as chips, cookies, and fried chicken. These tend to be high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars. Instead, choose healthier alternatives like air-popped popcorn, homemade baked goods, or homemade jaggery-coated peanut bars.

Pack Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables as they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Opt for easy-to-eat options like sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, or grapes. Consider packing a small container of hummus or yoghurt as a dip to make the veggies more appealing.

Nutritious Lunchbox Ideas for Children

  • Paneer paratha (stuffed paneer)
  • Palak paratha (freshly stuffed spinach)
  • Methi (made with fresh methi leaves)
  • Lauki paratha (ingredients include bottle guard, methi leaves, wheat flour, and mild spice powder)
  • Aloo methi paratha (Indian flatbreads with boiled potatoes, fenugreek leaves and wheat flour)
  • Ajwain paratha (North Indian flatbreads with wheat flour, salt and ajwain)

Rice Items

  • Peanut rice (freshly roasted and ground peanuts)
  • Peas pulao 
  • Potato rice (freshly boiled)
  • Sweet corn rice (add some spice for taste and boiled sweet corn)
  • Palak rice
  • Carrot rice (grated or small cut pieces)
  • Beetroot rice (grated or small cut pieces)
  • Methi rice (methi leaves)
  • Jeera rice
  • Mushroom fried rice
  • Cabbage rice
  • Paneer pulao rice
  • Pudina rice
  • Coconut rice 
  • Egg rice (with added spice).

Bottom Line

By prioritizing nutritious choices and avoiding highly processed snacks and sugary drinks, you can help promote children’s physical and mental health, concentration, and energy levels throughout the school day. Consider your kid’s preferences and options as well. Hope this blog is useful and provides tips for nutritious lunchbox ideas for children.