5 Healthy Bentos and Preschool Snack Ideas

Today, I will demonstrate how easy it is to pack a nutritious snack box for preschoolers. We will prepare five different snack boxes, each designed to make healthy food more enjoyable for children. As a mother of three, I have been packing lunches and snacks for a while, which is why I am thrilled to share these ideas with you today. I've got you covered with these ideas and tips to quickly pack healthy foods. If your child often leaves their sandwich half-eaten because they dislike the crust, this first bento box idea is perfect for you. You can transform the sandwich into bite-sized pieces by removing the crust and flattening the bread with a rolling pin. Spread a little mayo on the bread, place thin slices of ham on top, and roll it up like sushi. Slice the rolled sandwich into small pieces and place them in your bento box.

Fill the remaining compartments with fresh fruits and vegetables. One great addition is Good to Grow juice, which is free from added sugars, artificial colors, and flavors. It also features spill-proof character tops that kids love, such as Toy Story and Paw Patrol. The second bento box is designed for kids who need more protein in their diet. The secret is to serve protein in small, enjoyable pieces that they can munch on while chatting with friends. Slice some rolled-up ham into small pieces and add cheese cubes to a separate compartment. Hard-boiled eggs are also a portable and protein-packed addition to the snack box. Slice them in half and then into smaller pieces before adding them to the bento box. Complete the box with diced strawberries and whole-grain crackers. Good to Grow offers a wide range of characters that your child can collect throughout the year. You can find these at your favorite retailers like Target or Walmart.

The next bento box is for the grazing kid who loves to snack and never sits down to finish a meal. For this box, make oatmeal bites by combining oats, shredded coconut, ground flax, and a few mini chocolate chips. In a separate bowl, mix nut-free butter with a little honey and add it to the dry mixture. Form small bite-sized balls with your hands. These oatmeal bites can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and are safe to send to school since they are nut-free. Place a few bites in the bento box along with sliced hard-boiled eggs, sliced apples, and some veggies. The fourth bento box idea encourages you to use leftovers and turn them into another meal. For example, combine elbow macaroni, diced ham, frozen peas, and a little olive oil in a bowl to create a quick and easy pasta salad. Along with the pasta salad, include diced strawberries, sliced cucumber, and carrot chips. I believe in introducing kids to a variety of colorful foods and adding diversity to their meals. In addition to 100% apple juice, Good to Grow also offers fruit and veggie blends that taste great, as well as organic juice with 75% less sugar. The final bento box idea is for the kid who loves to dip. Include filling and fiber-rich hummus in a compartment for dipping, along with cucumber slices, carrot chips, and red pepper.

The key here is to encourage vegetable consumption, so add any veggies that your child enjoys. Additionally, add a couple of the oatmeal bites we made earlier. I am certain this box will be devoured. It is important to note that the portions in these bento box combinations can be adjusted for bigger appetites, which I often do since I have kids of all ages. I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Which of these bento boxes is your favorite, and how do you combine fun and nutrition for your kids?