Lunch Box Ideas for Fussy Eaters

As Bean has Selective Eating Disorder mealtimes are stressful. Well in truth, that is the understatement of the year! School lunch boxes have recently been another source of stress and battle. Sandwiches come home uneaten, fruit is left well alone, and most often she will manage a yoghurt and her 'treat' item and that is all. So I'm always thinking of ways to shake up Bean's lunch box routine. It is really important to me that she gets something from all the food groups, even though it might be just a small portion. So here are some lunch box ideas for fussy eaters.

This helpful infographic from Flora is really useful when thinking about what types of food to put into her lunch. It is hard to think of choices on the spot that are healthy and balanced and this really helps to give me inspiration.

I came across an idea on Twitter about Japanese style lunch boxes - a Bento Lunch Box. These lunch boxes are small, as are the portions that go in them. The gist of the idea is I think to include lots of different foods in small amounts. No pressure to eat a whole sandwich then and they are hopefully more inclined to try new foods. They key is in the presentation, which I admit I must get to grips on, but I thought I would show you how easy it is to put one together using items you already have in your cupboard and fridge.

I tried to keep in mind to include a variety of foods, to keep them healthy and to put one piece of food in there that Bean doesn't normally eat. I used cheap silicone cupcake moulds to keep the items together and packed them into a cheap plastic lunchbox.

Small sandwiches - bite size so that Bean will eat them. One honey and one Quorn ham. For carbs and some protein. With Flora spread. Pop them in Ziplock Bags to ensure they stay fresh and yummy!Did you know that every Flora tub contains plant oils, such as sunflower, rapeseed and linseed oils. Flora is lower in saturated fats than butter and provides a source of healthy Omega 3 and 6. These essential fats contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels and are also needed for normal growth and to support the development of children. Flora also recently launched Flora Freedom. This is a 100% dairy free product, which is free of preservatives, artificial colours and flavours, and like the rest of the Flora range is approved by The Vegetarian Society so perfect for people who are lactose intolerant.

Cheese - Bean won't usually eat this so this is her 'try item'. For dairy and protein.

Yoghurt - for dairy and protein.

Strawberries - one of her 5 a day

Flapjacks - a 'treat' item but also to provide some healthy energy

Crisps - another 'treat' item and also to provide whole grains.

We also make sure to pack a separate fruit snack for break time. This cute lunchbox that Flora sent us is perfect for packing a banana in.

I hope that over time Bean will become more adventurous with food and that we can branch out into more food items from the list above. The important thing is to make sure she is eating as well as she can and that she tries a new food every few days. Making lunch healthy, nutritious and fun is all part of that journey. Your child might also do well with school dinners, school can influence your child's eating habits after all. If you have the time (and a child who will eat it!) you can really go to town on the presentation of food which I love. Check out these rainbow sandwiches...I love them!