Ideas for the Lunchbox

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When I was in school, I used to look forward to the lunch break. The lunch box my mother used to pack for me was always tempting, and the aroma used to fill the classroom. With great anticipation I would open my lunch box and be thrilled to see something new and delicious to eat. Not only was she a great cook, but my mother was wise to innovate all the time.

Now when I ask my nephews what they are taking to school for lunch, they reply “jam sandwiches”. I think my sister may not be the only one wanting some brand new recipes to pack for children when they go to school.

Of course there are some thing children like to eat again and again and for many of them jam sandwiches fall into that category! But children need to be encouraged to eat a variety of foodstuffs so that their tastebuds unfurl and they also get enough nutrients for their growing bodies.

Here are some ideas for lunch that you could pack for your child. But you will need to pick and choose, based on the time you have at your disposal.

  • Cheese sticks, oranges cut into wedges, whole-wheat muffins.
  • Mini-buns spread with cheese, boiled peas, box of raisins.
  • Tortillas and nachos rolled up with a slice of mild cheese, fresh green beans, and small orange wedges.
    Ideas for the Lunchbox

    Ideas for the Lunchbox [Illustration by Shiju George]

  • Cheese and apricot jam on whole-grain bread, veggie mix (baby carrots, baby corn, peas) and grapes.How about using the following chart to mix and match from? Select one from each group.Breads
  • Muffin
  • Quick bread (banana, pumpkin, apple)
  • Whole-wheat bun
  • Tortillas
  • Raisin bread
  • Vegetable stuffed paranthas along with butter.Fillings
  • Butter plain or with: (pick one) honey, banana, jelly, shredded carrot, raisin
  • Cheese plain or with: (pick one), jelly, butter, mixed with shredded veggies
  • Mild cheese
  • Small pieces of fresh paneer or cottage cheese sprinkled with salt and pepper.Veggies
  • Baby carrots or carrot sticks
  • Fresh green beans
  • Boiled peas
  • Cucumber coins
  • Crisp par boiled tender broccoli/cauliflower florettes sprinkled with non-salt seasoning.Fruits
  • A banana
  • Small apples, chopped into cubes
  • Orange wedges, peeled
  • Raisins or other dried fruits
  • Drained pineapple chunks (or fresh)
  • Melon cubes, with the seeds removed
  • Grapes
  • Mangoes, sliced.Happy lunch packing!