Making school lunches can be a stressful and time-consuming task. We’ve talked about some healthy alternatives you can try that will keep your kids energized and fueled throughout the school day; but here are some lunchbox tricks to help make you the superheroes of the cafeteria.
Use Drinks as Ice Packs:
Freeze a juice box or a water bottle and use them as ice packs rather than ice. This will save you the hassle of including an ice pack or ice cubes; which can both weigh the lunch box down and make food soggy by the lunchtime. With your beverage serving as an ice pack; when the lunch bell rings, the juice or water will be perfectly thawed out and still cold enough to enjoy.
Make your own Lunchables:
Lunchables are an all-time favorite, they allow your kids to become the master chef of their lunchbox. Yet, certain Lunchables are jam-packed with unnecessary sugars and preservatives; so why not create your own! Allowing your children to create their own Lunchables not only invites creativity, but allows parents to control the sugar content. Spoon University created loads of combinations to inspire your own Lunchable masterpiece.
Be Colorful:
Kids are visual and more likely to eat their food if it looks colorful and appetizing. Add some colors or stickers, write a secret note, and play with shapes. Making lunches doesn’t have to be a boring task, add some excitement; and make it a game or a treasure hunt. Check out Childhood 101 for some of their awesome lunchtime ideas.
Time isn’t always on your side as a parent, and often little tasks such as making lunches can become a stressful chore. But, these helpful hints can help turn lunchmaking into an enjoyable activity that gets the whole family involved and excited for healthy eating.