Rabat- Kids spend at least six hours a day at school, so they need to eat a healthy main meal, in addition to a light snack. Every parent wants their kids to eat healthy and nutritious food. However, preparing meals every day for kids can be challenging, as they are often picky eaters and won’t likely enjoy eating the same meal every day. Therefore, parents need to be innovative, especially with fast food being a strong competitor to homemade meals.

These meals are the answer to the difficult question parents face every day ‘’ What are we going to eat today?’’

 1. Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna pasta salad is not only easy to make, but also healthy. Tuna is rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

500g Rotini Pasta 

Canned Tuna

4 tbsp sweet corn

5-6 tbsp Mayonnaise

1tsp salt

1tsp pepper

Instructions

Boil the pasta in a large pot of water according to package instructions
In a big bowl, add the cooled down pasta, mayonnaise, drained tuna, salt, pepper, and sweet corn
Mix all the ingredients well. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Healthy snacks are a valuable source of energy, vitamins, and minerals. They also make kids’ lunch boxes fun and enjoyable. 

One of the best snacks for kids are dried fruits. They are an excellent nutrition booster. You can add dates, raisins, or dried figs to children’s lunch boxes.

Do not forget to include eggs with meals , preferably boiled, as they are very nutritious and contain vitamin D, zinc, iron, calcium, and vitamin B.

2. Chicken Sandwich Recipe

A tasty chicken sandwich is made of slices of bread and chicken fillings. It is one of the easiest and quickest meals to prepare.

Ingredients: 

500 grams of boneless and skinless chicken

Slices of bread (whole wheat bread is preferable as its high in fiber and nutritious)

Sliced tomatoes

Lettuce

1 Chopped onion

3-4 tbsp mayonnaise

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp of minced garlic

Instructions:

1. In a pot, add chicken breast with salt, pepper, and water.

2. Cover with lid and cook for 12-15 minutes on low-medium heat 

3. Let the chicken cool down, shred the chicken and put it aside.

4. Heat a pan with oil, add garlic, onions, shredded chicken, pepper, and a pinch of salt.

5. Take a bread slice, spread the mayonnaise, add the sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and chicken onto the bread then cover it with another slice of bread.

6. Apply butter to the bread and transfer to a pan to grill the sandwich.

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals. They are important for kids’ health and should be packed in their lunchboxes. You can use mini cutters to easily cut fruits and vegetables (apple slices, banana slices, peach slices, grapes, kiwi slices, cucumber slices, or baby carrots. ) into fun shapes.

Nuts and almonds are valuable nutrients, which makes them an excellent addition to kids’ lunch boxes.

3. Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur is a delicious French toasted sandwich that is quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

2 slices of bread

3 tbsp mustard (optional)

2 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or any other cheese you have on hand

2 slices of smoked turkey breast

1 egg

1 tbsp milk

Salt and pepper to taste 

2 tsp butter

Instructions

In a frying pan, add the butter and melt it on low heat.
Spread the mustard on both pieces of bread, add some cheese slices as well as the smoked turkey slices, then add more cheese slices.
Crack the egg in a bowl, add some milk, pepper and salt to taste, then whisk with a fork.
Coat the bread in the egg mixture.
Put the bread in the pan and cook it until it’s golden brown on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Juices are a great healthy hydrating source for kids. Carrot and orange Juice are both rich in vitamins and nutrients.


 Ingredients:

2 peeled and chopped carrots

2 peeled oranges

Instructions:

Put the ingredients in a juicer until you observe a semi-thick liquid.

Read Also: Healthy Eating: 7 Foods to Boost and Strengthen Your Immune System