The most effective way to promote normal growth and development of kids is by means of a proper diet. A healthy diet, comprising of the proportionate amount of animal proteins, vegetables, fresh fruits, juices, dairy products, cereals,nuts, etc. can only help to meet the nutritional needs of a toddler in his or her growing up years. The mothers understand this well and leave no stones unturned in making the necessary arrangements to provide their kids with all the foods that they would need during this time.
But, the problem lies with the children. They seem to be rather more interested in having junk food than all these healthy options. It is not an uncommon situation when toddlers return home with the lunch boxed filled up. But mothers must not be disheartened by this. Do not loose your enthusiasm in trying to provide proper nutrition to your kids. Children love different colors, shapes and styles. They get fascinated by innovations. Capitalize on this.
Thus, here are some tips on innovative lunch ideas for toddlers.
1. Designer sandwich is a great idea
One of the most common items that you might often pack inside the lunch box of your toddler is sandwich. You probably toil hard to include different fillings everyday for bread and grilling them to make a perfect sandwich. But at the end of the day, you find that they are returned back, soggy and uneaten. Work out a simple magic in your attempt. Cut the breads into different shapes everyday so that one day the sandwiches resemble a fish while on some other day they look like a crab. Your kid will love to eat lunch at school, discovering new shapes everyday.
2. Leave a note for your kid
Another innovative idea is to insert a note inside the lunchbox everyday. The note should have different messages to convey to your kid when he or she is away from your sight. But do not command or order the kid in those messages. They should be polite and affectionate, and convey how you miss your kid while he or she is away at school, how happy will you be if the kid enjoys the food that you have packed in his or her lunch box, etc. These short messages will act as driving forces and make your kid have the lunch at school only.
3. Try out this delicious turkey recipe
Make a different recipe for your kid for his lunch at school. Buy in some whole grain tortilla. On it spread a layer of hummus or any other spreading your kid might love. Put in shreds of turkey and some pounded spinach leaves on each of the tortilla. Roll each of them and cut the rolls into equally smaller pieces. Also provide cheese cubes and fruit salads along with the item, so that your kid has a delicious as well as nutritious lunch.
4. Eggs can be interesting
If you love to give sandwiches in your toddler’s lunch, try out this recipe of egg sandwich. Make black pepper powder. Make a paste of mashed mustard seeds. Now, boil two eggs really hard so that they can be crushed when they get cooler. Arrange for two slices of whole wheat or multigrain sandwich breads. Now, spread the crushed hard boiled egg pieces and smear half a teaspoonful of mustard paste on them. Sprinkle some salt and pepper powder as you think will be proper for your kid’s taste buds. Now, cover the whole thing with the other slice and grill the sandwich now. Pack this sandwich in the toddler’s lunch box along with cubes of oranges. Your kid will surely enjoy the dish.
