The school bell has rung in the Telugu states, and the bustling routine has begun for families with school-going children. Alongside the rush to get uniforms, books, bags, and shoes ready, packing a healthy and appealing lunch box is another daily challenge for parents. Deciding what to cook each day can be a daunting task. Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to make this process easier.
Many parents frequently find themselves at a loss about what to prepare for their children’s lunch. To alleviate this stress, it’s a good idea to create a weekly meal plan. Buy all the necessary ingredients in advance and keep them ready at home. This proactive approach not only saves time but also ensures a variety of meals, avoiding the monotony of repetitive dishes.
Involve your children in the meal preparation process. Ask them what they would like in their lunch box and pack accordingly. This helps you understand their preferences and ensures they are more likely to eat what you prepare.
A balanced lunch box should include not only rice and curry but also fruits and dry fruits rich in vitamins and proteins. This ensures that children remain healthy and energetic throughout the day. For snack breaks, include pallipatti, dry fruits, nuts, or a banana.
Choose a quality lunch box that keeps the food fresh and at the right temperature. It’s important to pack different food items in separate containers to maintain their freshness.
Children under five years have small stomachs and need to eat little and often. They should ideally have six meals or snacks a day. Because they play actively, they require more energy compared to adults, so focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than the size of the portions.
To keep the lunch interesting, plan a diverse menu. Include a variety of rice dishes like spinach, tomato, carrot, beetroot, mixed vegetable, jeera, paneer, and egg fried rice with raita combinations for two days each week. On the other days, opt for chapati or paratha made with ingredients like fenugreek, lettuce, and sweet potato; noodles or pasta with vegetables; semya upma or oothappam; pongal, idli, dosa, or chole bhatura; and sandwiches or pizza. Rotating the menu weekly prevents the meals from becoming monotonous.
Prepare chapatis, dosas, idlis, and parathas in small sizes to make them easier for children to eat. Avoid sending biscuits, chocolates, chips, sweet cakes, junk food, instant food, and oily items. Instead, opt for fresh fruits and easily digestible fresh food for your child’s health.
By following these tips, you can ensure your children enjoy a nutritious and varied lunch every day, keeping them happy and healthy at school.
