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5 lunchbox tricks and ideas for picky eaters
Lunchbox snacks are important to provide your little one with the energy they need to keep them going through the day. If you have a picky eater, that can be easier said than done! We all know how disheartening it is to take time and effort to pack a nutritious and tasty lunchbox for your toddler, only to have it returned home at the end of the school day barely touched. These clever tips and tricks will help you to create a fail-proof lunchbox for your toddler!
1.Stick to what they like
It is very unlikely that your picky eater is going to be excited about trying something new when they open their lunchbox at school, so rather stick to their favourites that you know they will eat without a fuss. Remember, your main aim with school lunchboxes is for them to get important nutrients for their busy day, so even if you have to fill it with the same food every day, that is fine.
2.Get them involved
Make your toddler feel like they have a little lunchbox “power”. Take them shopping to choose a lunchbox and bag they like, and give them a (limited) choice of what they would like to find in their lunchbox each day. Prepare a small variety of healthy lunchbox snacks at the weekend so that you can give your child an “either/or” choice in the morning as you fill their lunchbox. These Cheesy Veg Balls, Fruit Crunchies, and Sweet Potato Rostis all make great lunchbox snacks – plus they freeze well so you can make them ahead of time and have them on hand to pop in their lunchbox in the morning. You’ll find a whole range of nutritious lunchbox snack recipes here, along with plenty of useful tips and tricks.
3.Chop it and dip it!
When it comes to fruit and veg it is essential to chop it up to make it as easy to eat as possible. Toddler’s love dipping finger foods, so make a small pot of dip for them to add extra flavour to their snacks. For a sweet dip for fruit, simply swirl a little of your toddler’s favourite Squish 100% Fruit Puree through smooth cottage cheese – try Summer Berries, Fruit Salad, or Pear. Make a savoury protein-packed dip for veggie sticks by blending together butter beans and Squish 100% Veg Puree – you’ll find the full recipe for our Beany Dip here.
4.Minimise the effort
Picky eaters are often lazy eaters, so play their game by giving them convenient food that is delicious – and nutritious! Squish 100% Yogi Fruit Purees can be enjoyed straight from the pouch. They have a resealable lid and come in a variety of flavours. Try Squish 100% Fruit Medley Yoghurt or Apple and Guava Yoghurt, which is now available in the larger 200ml pouch, making it perfect for hungry toddlers. All Squish products are made using only quality fresh fruit and vegetables and contain no added nasties.
5.Keep things separate
Fussy toddlers often don’t like their foods to touch. Keep their different lunchbox snacks separate by using a lunchbox with separate compartments or small silicone containers to stop foods touching. Don’t forget to add a box of thirst-quenching Squish 100% Fruit Juice made from pressed fresh fruit, not concentrates.