n the 21st century, everyone is busy, in some way or the other. Parents have their respective hectic schedules for the day, whether that is working a job, managing a company, or an entire household. As for children, their days are also filled with school, classes, homework, sleep, and repeat. To introduce instances of spontaneous culinary creativity on schooldays is beyond comprehension now. But children also need their daily nourishment, which is a combination of healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy, and parents know how hard it is to hit that target every day.
To keep your active children from burning out before school ends, keep an eye on their lunchboxes. Avoid giving your kid money to buy junk food from school canteen vendors. Remember, nobody can make more nourishing food for your children than you. And some of these easy lunchbox snacks can even be prepared in advance. Why let your kids deprive themselves of the nutrition they deserve when it can be fed to them easily via these convenient lunchbox ideas for active school children.
Stuffed omelets are a healthy and nourishing meal that popularly traces its root to the Spanish tortilla espanola, aka a potato omelet. Thanks to the healthy components of the meal, parents can switch up the usual egg, potatoes, and onions, for more delectable yet nutritious ingredients. Throw in some spinach, parmesan cheese, carrots, peas, herbs, and protein of choice into your stuffed omelet for a filling yet satisfying meal. This easy lunchbox fix is not only convenient to eat during tiffin time, but pairs perfectly with fresh fruit to add a refreshing touch to lunchbox snacks for active children during recess.
The moment you add grilled protein to your kid’s lunchbox, it adds an edge to their nourishment. Proteins and amino acids are essential to the growth and development of children, while providing them with vitamin D and other necessary micronutrients to protect their bone health and boost their immune system. Grilled vegetables are tastier, and with the right homemade spice mix even delectable to kids. Pair the two for a healthy nourishing lunchbox for kids at school. They can either share the snacks with their friends or gorge on the combined meal.
Fruit sandwiches are a recent trend, thanks to Tiktok and Instagram food reels. But these dessert-like sandwiches, with fluffy milk bread and luscious, thick layer of cream cheese can be made healthier by swapping the bread for whole wheat options and moderately spreading cream cheese before pairing it with your kids’ favorite fruits. Adding paneer bhurji, or scrambled paneer to the lunchbox only increases its net worth in vitamins, calcium, protein, and other micronutrients. This delicious lunchbox full of delectable snacks is bound to be eaten hidden and in haste.
Overnight oats are a great lunchbox snack for active children. Not only can they be easily packed and prepared in advance, but they also taste rich, cold, and creamy, a wonderful food for active children who need to gulp their lunch and rush off to play. Research has shown that oats have massive health benefits ranging from improving immunity to improving gut health to preventing multiple diseases like high cholesterol, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Make overnight oats easily at home by picking rolled oats, fruits, yogurt, milk, nut butter, and flavorings of choice for a satisfying and nutritious lunchbox component. To further entice your children, add homemade nuggets of chicken or soya chunks to the meal for a boost of protein and energy.
Soya chunk-filled pulaos are a favorite of school children. The soft, proteinaceous texture of soya chunks is a great hit among all, and when combined with a nice buttery, vegetable-filled pulao, becomes irresistible to children, despite the presence of any veggies. This nutrient-rich and filling pulao is wonderfully contrasted and balanced when paired with a salad at lunch. Make any salad, a fruit, a mixed green, a caesar, or even a chicken waldorf one, but ensure it has a homemade, low-fat dressing to maximize the health benefits for your children without filling them up with empty calories.
This summer, make sure your kid’s lunchbox is filled with nutritious and delicious snacks and meals to beat the heat. Remember, always keep a fun element in their tiffin to coax them into eating the healthy bits, before reaching for the dessert or choice of protein. This practice should be started as early as possible with your kids to develop an open-minded approach to food, as it takes time, honesty, and commitment to form good food habits. Don’t worry, it takes time but they get there. And these easy and tasty lunchbox snacks are perfect for beginning the journey together.