Get Rid of Luncheon Blues

Parents must Plan Interesting Lunch Box Options

Parents like their children to empty the healthy lunch box packed to school to get the nutrients needed for their kids to learn, grow and play. But parents must also ensure to send interesting and different lunch recipes to school daily. Given below are few strategies to avoid indifference in children to eat their lunch:

• Use weekends to plan lunches together for the next week ahead: Inspire children to pack their own lunch. When kids are involved in these phases, they are more likely to eat it. Different ways to involve children in food preparations are available at www.firsteatright.com. 
• More play means more meals: Research has proved that grade-schoolers tend to eat more if they have recess before lunch. You can share this information with the principal or school board to find out if this option can be incorporated in the school schedule. 
• Celebrate red letter days: Make lunch menus interesting during special events. Maybe you can prepare your kid’s favorite meal on Children’s Day or pack an all-red lunch to glorify Valentine’s Day. 
• Explore new foods: Try to send exotic fruits like kiwi or star fruit or any new foods that would keep their curiosity clock ticking. Picky eaters may find it to their advantage to try new foods. Don’t get upset if the chosen food is not as nutritious as you would want it to be. Be aware that every food has its share of nutrients, when consumed in moderate amounts. 
• Pack extras for friends too: If your picky eater is hesitant to try something new, like celery stuffed with peanut butter or fruits and blooms as salad ingredients, take advantage of peer pressure and pack a few extra portions for your kid’s friends to taste. 
• Capitalize on “cool” lunch equipment: Use an insulated lunch bag and thermos to carry foods as varied as chilled pasta salad or hot soup. Remember to use an ice pack in their lunch box and an insulated thermos to maintain the hotness or coldness of the food stored, thereby reducing the risk of food poisoning.