BACK TO SCHOOL WITH BENTO-BOXED BAON

It’s back to school for kids. And we know how tired they can get every day mentally and physically. That is why it is so important to make sure they get the proper nutrients as they go about their daily school schedule. The right food gives children the fuel to be in top form, ready to learn and play. It is very important for a child to eat the right food always. Short-term hunger, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), can adversely affect a child’s ability to learn. Micronutrient deficiency can also hinder physical and cognitive development and lessen productivity. Proper nourishment is key to a child’s physical and mental growth and development. At home, parents can see what their children are eating. In school, parents have no control over what they might eat. That is why it is best to give them homemade packed meals or baon, especially for lunch. But for moms, this does not come without challenges. Challenge 1 is for parents, especially moms, to make sure the baon their kids bring is nutritious yet something that their children will actually enjoy eating. The next challenge is to get this baon done fast… in the morning before the kids run off to school. And for working moms, to get all these done before she herself gets ready to go to work. One healthy and yummy shortcut is to look at ready-to-cook, easy-to prepare food items available at food outlets or supermarkets. Like Kiddie Goodie products at Fresh Options Meatshop. They have chicken drumettes, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, burger patties, etc. These Kiddie Goodies can be prepared in a variety of ways. Add a protein-rich food item like veggies (again prepared in a variety of ways) and a fruit (banana, apple or sliced orange) that can be presented as part of the meal. For dessert or for their snack, you may choose to throw in a pack of their favorite cookies. Once in a while, you can indulge them with a chocolate bar. To make the food look more appetizing and fun, pack them in handy, attractive, practical bento lunch boxes since they come with compartments. Also remember to choose food that will not spoil easily and with not too much sauce to avoid the risk of messy spills.