The holidays are over! Back to school is fast approaching and it's time to dive back into our routine to get into good habits to start the school year!
This return to reality is also synonymous with the preparation of the week's lunches, which can quickly become a headache for many parents. How to make them varied, balanced, and especially loved by children?
1. Get inspired
In order not to always repeat the same recipes, open yourself to novelty. Be on the lookout for what surrounds you, for example, the recipes of friends or those of Coup de Pouce that have proven themselves with the little ones, or the culinary books with various themes: Thai cuisine, vegan, slow cooker, etc.
"The Internet also has ideas for perfect dishes for lunches. Visit the pages of influencers specializing in children's cooking, get inspired on Pinterest, or subscribe to Facebook groups that exchange culinary tips, without putting too much pressure on yourself to make the perfect lunch, "says the dietitian-nutritionist.
2. Equip yourself properly
Any parent who has to prepare lunches deserves to be well equipped in order to not only make their time profitable in the preparation of meals, but also to vary the menus and types of food present in the lunch box.
"First, I suggest having several plastic dishes and of various sizes. These containers are also useful for easily dividing food – for example, cut fruit – into several ready-to-go portions rather than a large container that will have to be dipped into every day," says Alison Caron.
The dietitian-nutritionist also advises having reusable bags on hand as well as ice packs to keep the food cool. A good thermos is also an essential accessory to keep meals hot: "It must be able to hold one cup for the youngest, and two cups for teenagers."
The type of lunch box can also simplify parents' lives. "To maximize space, opt for those that can accommodate several dishes or for 'Bento' style boxes with different compartments," she says.
3. Learn to plan
If you plan the menus in advance, it will be easier to develop a complete grocery list so that you do not forget anything. Another way to make your time profitable is to cut the vegetables for the whole week and put them in individual portions in takeaways.
According to Alison Caron, planning the week's lunches is the key to avoiding the pressure of busy mornings and making sure you have all the nutrients needed to give your kids fuel. For example, it's good to take advantage of dinner preparation by doubling the portions. Another simple way to save time!
4. Bet on the right snacks
"To optimize concentration during learning, children need to meet their high nutritional needs. However, they have small stomachs, so snacks are perfect and provide stability in the energy level between meals," confirms Alison Caron.
For nutritious snacks, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, the pros of vitamins! As for them, yogurt and cheese will provide support due to their high protein intake. A home-cooked muffin with healthy ingredients is also a great snack.
5. Add fun
According to the nutritionist-dietitian, the power of pleasure should not be underestimated. "It's good to add a notion of pleasure in children's diets to make them want to eat their lunches in their entirety."
An effective trick is to involve his offspring: "For example, by including him in the choice of foods at the grocery store or recipes, by making him cut his raw vegetables or by inviting him to cook the muffins of the week with you."
If you have time, put sweet words in their lunch box, create funny shapes with their sandwiches or make broken lunches: the goal is to make mealtime enjoyable.
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