Lunch Box Ideas

As my daughter’s getting older; note, she’s only 1.5 years old but a little person with opinions nonetheless, I’m always thinking of how I can make food fun and interesting and yet ensure that she’s getting a healthy and nutritious meal or snack.

This is something that seems to be on every parents mind. So, I thought I’d share some of my ideas and I would love to hear back with some of yours too.

1. Cookie Cutter Snacks

I would urge all parents to get a couple of fun shaped cookie cutters; stars, hearts, flowers are all great because young toddlers can begin recognizing them and relate to the shapes. Apart from making fun cookies with your kids, you can use these on a number of things like fruits, veggies, sandwiches, morning toast, cheese slices, rotis, parathas and pancakes to name a few. It makes meal times a lot more fun for everyone.

2. Indian Chicken Meatballs

This is a quick and easy recipe and kids love it. Succulent, juicy meat balls packed with protein.

Ingredients

-          250g chicken mince

-          100g cottage cheese

-          ½ tsp garlic and ginger paste

-          ¼ tsp dhanna-jeera (coriander and cumin) powder

-          ¼ tsp turmeric

-          Pinch of garam masala

-          Salt to season

-          Bread crumbs

-          1 egg

-          Fresh coriander leaves

Method

Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well to form a nice firm but wet mash. Leave for 20-30mins to marinate. Dust your hands with some flour and roll into little balls. Shallow fry in a pan till cooked and ready. Remove on a paper towel and pat off any excess oil. Your little balls of flavourful chicken are ready to be eaten.

3. Yoghurt Milkshakes

This is a great way to get kids to have some fruit and dairy and it keeps them full and satisfied. A hot favourite, tried and tested is the banana smoothie. Mix a banana with some plain yoghurt and add a bit of milk and orange juice as a thinner. You can make it as thick or thin as you like depending on the amount of milk or juice you use. Blend them together and voila!

To change it up a little, the combinations are endless but here are a few ideas; add a couple of berries, mango or kiwi fruit to get some extra flavours going. A spoonful of peanut butter and oats also tastes delish. To sweeten use a date – remember to remove the pip. This not only adds a delicious sweetness to the drink but it also adds that extra punch of nutrition. Make sure you make a glass for you as well; we mums also need a healthy snack to help us stay energized to keep up with the little ones. Enjoy :)