First time making school lunches" Dietitian and mom of two Jennifer Baum shares five of her favourite bento box meal ideas?one for each day of the week!
1. Sandwich Sushi Rolls
Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer Baum
Sandwiches get a bad rap for being boring, but they can provide a satisfying and protein-packed lunch. Choose a bread that lists a whole grain as the first ingredient and has at least 2 grams of fibre, then fill with your kid?s favourite ingredients. Cutting them up into bite-sized pieces makes them more manageable. You can use cookie cutters or try out sandwich sushi rolls. (Flatten a slice of bread slightly with a rolling pin, then layer with sandwich fillings, leaving a 2-cm strip at one end; from opposite end, roll up the bread and slice into six rolls.) 2. DIY Tacos
Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer Baum
Tacos are a hit with most kids. Packing all of the components separately in a bento box decreases the pressure of having to eat everything and provides some autonomy. This meal is a great way to increase fibre intake. Instead of a hard taco shell, I?ll pack multigrain tortilla chips or a whole wheat soft tortilla wrap. Add a protein like beans, chicken, fish or pulled pork?dinner leftovers often come in handy. Finish it off with delicious toppings such as corn kernels, chopped lettuce, grated cheese, cherry tomatoes, sour cream or guacamole.
3. Brunch for Lunch
Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer Baum
Kids get really excited when they get to take weekend breakfast foods i...