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Kid Approved Bento Lunch Ideas | Simply Laura Dee

As parents, we all strive to provide our children with nutritious meals that not only satisfy their hunger but also excite their taste buds. With the rise in popularity of bento boxes, packing a healthy and appealing lunch has never been easier or more fun! At Simply Laura Dee, we believe that mealtime should be an opportunity for creativity and joy. So, we’ve gathered some kid-approved bento lunch ideas that are both delicious and balanced, ensuring your little ones are fuelled for their day.

What is a Bento Box?

A bento box is a single-portion meal common in Japanese cuisine, beautifully arranged to make eating an enjoyable experience. Traditionally, these boxes include a variety of foods, such as rice, fish, meat, pickled vegetables, and fruit. The beauty of bento boxes lies in their versatility; you can customise them to suit your child’s tastes and dietary needs.

Benefits of Bento Lunches

1. Variety: Bento boxes encourage a range of foods, which helps kids explore different flavours and textures.
2. Nutritional Balance: Including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates promotes a well-rounded diet.
3. Portion Control: Bento boxes help in managing serving sizes, preventing overeating or food waste.
4. Nurturing Creativity: Involving kids in the preparation process can fuel their interest in cooking and healthy eating.

Kid Approved Bento Lunch Ideas

1. Rainbow Wraps Bento

Ingredients:

• Wholegrain wraps
• Hummus
• Grated carrots
• Cucumber sticks
• Red pepper strips
• Spinach leaves

Assembly: Spread hummus on a wholegrain wrap, layer the vegetables, roll it up tightly, and slice into pinwheels. Pair with a side of mixed fruit, such as melons, grapes, and berries.

2. Mini Pita Pockets

Ingredients:

• Mini pita bread
• Sliced turkey or chicken
• Cheddar cheese
• Lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes

Assembly: Fill the pita pockets with sliced poultry, cheese, and lettuce. Add a few halved cherry tomatoes for colour. On the side, include some baby carrots and a small pot of ranch or tzatziki for dipping.

3. Healthy Sushi Rolls

Ingredients:

• Sushi rice
• Nori sheets
• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Cooked shrimp or smoked salmon

Assembly: Prepare sushi rice and allow it to cool. Lay out a nori sheet, spread a thin layer of rice, and add sliced cucumber, avocado, and shrimp. Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces. Accompany with edamame and a small container of soy sauce.

4. DIY Breakfast Bento

Ingredients:

• Wholegrain cereal or granola
• Yoghurt
• Mixed berries
• Nuts and seeds

Assembly: In a bento box, layer the cereal at the bottom, top it with a dollop of yoghurt, and add mixed berries. Garnish with a sprinkle of nuts and seeds for added crunch!

5. Cheese and Veggie Frittata Bites

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Grated cheese
• Spinach
• Bell peppers
• Cherry tomatoes

Assembly: Whisk eggs, add the veggies and cheese, and pour the mixture into mini muffin tins. Bake until set, then cool. These frittata bites are perfect served warm or cold, alongside some wholegrain crackers and cucumber slices.

6. Fruit & Nut Butter Dip

Ingredients:

• Apple or banana slices
• Nut butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower seed)
• Dried fruit (apricots, raisins)

Assembly: Pack sliced apples or bananas with a small pot of nut butter for dipping. Add a handful of dried fruit for a sweet finish.

7. Pasta Salad Box

Ingredients:

• Wholegrain pasta
• Cherry tomatoes
• Olives
• Cubes of cheese
• Basil or spinach pesto

Assembly: Cook the pasta and let it cool. Toss with cherry tomatoes, olives, and cheese cubes. Drizzle with pesto for flavour, and serve alongside a small portion of fresh fruit.

Tips for Bento Success

• Involve Your Kids: Let them choose their favourite ingredients, encouraging them to help pack their lunch.
• Make It Colourful: Use a variety of ingredients to create a visually appealing lunch.
• Mix Familiar and New: Combine classic favourites with new items to expand their palates without overwhelming them.
• Keep it Fresh: Use insulated bento boxes to keep everything fresh until lunchtime.

At Simply Laura Dee, we understand that a well-packed bento box can ease lunchbox stress and bring excitement back to mealtime. With these creative and healthy ideas, your little ones will not only love their lunches but also get the nourishment they need to thrive throughout the day. Bon appétit!

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