As the new school year begins, it’s time to focus on keeping your little ones happy, healthy, and well-fed during their busy days at school. From providing the right nutrition to making lunches fun and appealing, there are many ways to support your children’s overall well-being.
Here are five simple tips to help you create healthier, kid-approved lunch boxes this school year.
1. Add a Rainbow of Colours
The phrase “eat the rainbow” isn’t just a fun saying – it’s a great strategy for ensuring your kids get a variety of nutrients. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables like carrots, strawberries, blueberries, and cucumbers add excitement to lunch boxes while delivering essential vitamins and minerals.
Challenge yourself to incorporate as many colours as possible into their lunches. The visual appeal alone can encourage children to try new foods and eat healthier.
2. Appeal to All the Senses
Encouraging healthy eating isn’t always about taste – consider engaging your child’s other senses too. Get creative by offering colour-themed lunches based on the day of the week. For example:
- Monday: Red foods like cherry tomatoes, capsicum strips, or apples.
- Tuesday: Green treats like kiwi slices, celery sticks, or broccoli.
Let your child help with planning and packing their lunch. This sense of involvement can make them more excited to eat what’s inside.
3. Learn from Uneaten Lunches
If your child comes home with leftovers, take the opportunity to find out why. Did something turn slimy or soggy? Was there too much food, or did they simply not like the taste? By understanding what worked and what didn’t, you can adjust future lunches to better suit their preferences while still keeping them nutritious.
4. Make It Easy to Eat
Some kids love eating with their hands – and that’s okay! Embrace their preferences by packing finger foods that are simple to grab and eat. Instead of packing meals requiring cutlery, opt for wraps, rolls, or veggie sticks with dips. Bite-sized portions not only make eating easier but also more enjoyable for younger children.
5. Offer Healthy Alternatives
If your child is a picky eater or struggles to consume fruits and vegetables, try incorporating cold-pressed juices, smoothies, or juice shots into their lunch box. These provide a convenient and delicious way to pack in essential nutrients without the fuss.
Juices come in various sizes, flavours, and textures, so you’re bound to find options that suit your child’s tastes. Plus, they’re perfect for quick energy boosts during busy school days.
Healthy Choices for Happy Kids
At ALO Juice, we understand the challenges of creating well-balanced meals for kids. That’s why we offer a range of nutrient-packed cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy snacks to make your life easier and your kids’ lunches more enjoyable.
Get creative with your lunch box ideas this school year, and give your children the tools they need to thrive. Visit the ALO Juice website to explore our wide selection of health-focused products – and don’t forget to check for special deals!