Kid lunch box ideas seem fresh and exciting the first few weeks summer camp but soon boredom and routine sets in for both parent and child. Sandwich ideas go from creative fillings to just whatever happens to be in the fridge or on the pantry shelf.
Packing a kid lunch box that’s healthy can be a real challenge day in and day out. But it doesn’t have to be. You’d be amazed what your kids will eat in their lunches if given the opportunity. A nutritious kid lunch box doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. Simple sandwich fare with a twist can be just as satisfying. The key to a successful kid lunch box is to be imaginative with sandwich staples. Think chicken and corn, ham and avocado or cream cheese and jam. According to my child taste panel, tuna salad with crunchy bits of celery and Caesar salad dressing wins out over traditional mayonnaise and relish. My pint-sized chicken salad lovers also chose salsa and mayonnaise over plain mayonnaise. And while white bread still takes the top slot with many kids other bread varieties such as pitas, bagels, English muffins, soft tortillas and flat breads are growing in popularity with the school aged set. With the variety of breads now on the market parents and kids alike can get creative with sandwich fillings. Soft tortillas and pita pockets make ideal wrappers for hearty nutritious fillings while chewy bagels lend themselves well to sweet or savory spreads. Flat breads and pocket-less pitas are ideal for open-faced delights like pizza. Which according to the kids I consulted is not disgusting when served cold. Make-your-own is a growing kid lunch box trend. Kids love to have things packaged separately so they can assemble their own salads and sandwiches. Sure, it takes a little longer to prepare but the pay off is a lunch that ends up eaten instead of trashed or traded. In an effort to compromise and introduce new foods into your child’s diet consider suggesting twists to the tried and true. How about mixing up grated carrot and raisins with cream cheese to top off a bagel or add a little salad dressing and some new veggies to a favorite sandwich wrap? It’s amazing how a little alfalfa, minced broccoli or grated zucchini can liven up an everyday kid lunch box. Be sure however that any new sandwich combinations and general kid lunch box ideas get the thumbs up from your kids before they are packed in their lunch. For more ideas, visit School Lunch Ideas. |