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Carbohydrates such as breads, cereals, and pasta, provide long lasting energy. Protein increases our alertness and concentration. Carbohydrates and protein are equally important especially when planning lunch.
The back-to-school season is here, and along with it, comes planning and packing lunches. It can be a daunting task for some of us. That’s where a Bento Box lunch comes in! The Bento Box is a Japanese concept where you pack a proportioned meal, which has ample nutrients, takes less time to prepare, and has exceptional presentation. The box has different compartments, which keeps the food organized, fresh and interesting.
Healthy Bento Box Lunch Idea
Here is an idea that you can pack for both school and the office. There are numerous possible combinations that can be made quickly from dinner leftovers, or from a variety of food that you have on hand in the fridge/cupboard.
Zucchini Noodles and Baked Chicken
This healthy and tasty lunch, packed with nutrients, is a combination of zucchini noodles, baked chicken, and berries.
How To Prepare: Spiralize zucchini using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. Toss the zucchini noodles with chopped tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. Season to taste. Bake the chicken separately, or use leftover chicken from dinner.
How To Pack: Place zucchini noodles, chicken, and berries in separate compartments. Add surprise fruit. Label and pack the night before.
Tips For a Successful Bento Box Lunch
When making bento box lunches, choose a variety of ingredients, think about the proportions, get creative with the presentation, pack the bento box ahead of time, and label it.
- Use a bento box with multiple compartments to prevent it from getting soggy and mixed.
- Choose a solid container with multiple sections to make it more enjoyable, and prevent the food from getting crushed.
- Use leak-proof containers for foods that are likely to leak, such as soup or salad dressing.
- Add a small ice pack to keep your food cold.
- When packing your lunch, ensure that you pack it the night before so that the food can cool down.
Elevate Family Health: Meal Planning Tips
With a little planning and creativity, you can easily make a delicious and healthy bento box lunch that everyone will love to eat. Get meal planning tips for the whole family including easy shortcuts, creating a blueprint, and building healthy habits at Back to School Frenzy.
