Back-to-back classes with endless syllabus can turn out to be quite exhausting for school-going kids. In order to brave the entire day in school without experiencing low energy levels, it is important to load up on foods that induce energy. Most school-going kids get influenced and also happen to influence other kids very easily. Packing a protein-rich lunch for them will not only set an example for all their classmates but will also leave your kid feeling energised during back-to-back classes. It's quite common for kids to feel lazy and sleepy after their lunch breaks and getting through the last few periods can become quite challenging for them. To ward off this problem, you can pack in protein-rich and nutritious foods for them in their lunchboxes.
Here are a few protein-rich lunch ideas for kids:
1) Replace Spreads With Nut Butters
If your child is used to gorging on sandwiches for lunch, you can replace the unhealthy processed spreads with nut butters. Almond butter, walnut butter and peanut butter are some of the options that you may consider. As per USDA, two tablespoons of almond butter contain 7 grams of protein.
2) Add Beans And Chickpeas To Pasta
Once a week, when your child takes pasta for lunch, try adding beans and chickpeas to the pasta. It will not only add protein to the dish but will also make it crunchy and flavourful. Start by adding a very little quantity and eventually increase the quantity as they start developing a taste for it.
3) Egg Salad/Omelette
Try to include eggs in their lunch in some form or the other. Eggs are not only high in protein but are also quite versatile and can be cooked in various ways. You can pack omelettes and egg rolls in their lunch. Egg salad is a good option too as it requires no oil and is easy-to-make as well. You can boil the eggs and pair them with other protein-rich veggies. Don't hesitate in adding certain herbs and spices that will add more flavour to the dish.
4) Veggie Burger
While preparing burger, stuff those buns with protein-rich veggies to increase the nutritional quotient. You can also add those veggies in a sandwich. Basically, instead of using an aloo patty, try to replace it with veggies like peas and asparagus.