If you’re looking for easy tips for packing your kid’s lunchbox, you’ve come to the right place! The good news is that there’s no need to overcomplicate things. Here are five simple kid’s lunchbox hacks to help set the tone for a healthy school year, no matter where your child is getting their education, whether in the classroom or at home.
5 Simple (and Healthy) Tips for Packing Your Kid’s Lunchbox
1. Get Smart About The Actual “Box”
There are so many kids lunchbox options available. The one you pick may make it easier to encourage healthy eating. Try a bento-style lunchbox that has divided sections to make it easier to present healthy food options to your kiddo in a fun way. Many companies even offer fun magnets or stickers to add to the lunchbox to make lunchtime fun!
2. Make it Colorful
It’s super common for kids to gravitate toward things like bread and chips. You’re not alone if you feel like you can’t get away from the typical PB&J lunch. This year, try making things colorful by adding berries and veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and celery sticks. You can make it fun by adding these fruits and veggies to little silicone cups. Or try making “ants on a log” with a celery stick, almond butter, and some raisins (if age appropriate). Often it’s the way you present the healthier foods that help encourage kids to eat their fruits and veggies!
3. Make That Bag of Chips Healthier
If your kids always ask for a bag of chips with their sandwiches, try making some yummy healthier chips together on the weekend! From zucchini chips to kale chips and even sweet potato chips, there are plenty of options to still enjoy a “chip,” just in a healthier way. Plus, if you get your kids involved, they may be even more excited to try it.
4. Try Reusable Silicone Squeeze Pouches
You can get these from almost anywhere, and they are total game-changers for getting away from the sugary fruit pouches we find at the store. You can add unsweetened yogurt with a squeeze of pure maple syrup to these or make your own fruit squeeze blend using your kid’s favorite fruits.
5. Add a Healthy Sweet
If your child has a sweet tooth, you’re not alone. It also doesn’t help that many packaged kids’ snacks are loaded with added sugar. The good news is that you can bake up a healthier version that’s equally as delicious as their favorite muffin or brownie. Try getting creative with healthy snack swaps. Here are some simple ways to make your kiddo’s favorite sweet treat a bit healthier:
- Use coconut oil vs. butter
- Try almond flour vs. wheat flour
- Add superfood seeds like flax, hemp, or chia to things like homemade muffins or cookies.
- Sneak in veggies (like zucchini) or even black beans into brownies or muffins!
Here’s to Healthy Lunches & A Healthy Year!
Try these five hacks if you’ve been looking for ways to make your kid’s lunchboxes a bit healthier this year. They are simple and make lunchtime fun, more nutritious, and delicious. They may inspire you to take some of these hacks into other meals of the day that the whole family can enjoy.
