Back to school: How to sneak healthy meals into kids’ lunchboxes

A nutritionist offers tips – and tricks – for the overwhelmed parent

Published: August 23, 2021 13:21 Last updated: August 23, 2021 13:23 Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Parenting Editor

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Does a feeling of uneasiness creep in when you think of the soon-to-be-here return to school? While some kids don’t mind the occasional broccoli or carrot treat, most turn their nose up at it. UAE-based nutritionist Farah Hillou offers some tips that’ll help you incorporate more colour, variety, fun and nutrition (vitamin C, folate, beta-carotene, magnesium and potassium) into your kids’ meals: Image Credit: Shutterstock

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ZUCCHINI: Spiralize some zucchini (or sweet potato) and make a “zoodle” stir-fry with minced chicken and sliced bell peppers. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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PUMPKIN: Add pureed pumpkin and/or finely chopped broccoli to homemade chicken nuggets. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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MIXED VEGETABLES: Bake wholesome vegetarian croquettes or samosas using lentils and vegetables like peas, carrots, and sweet potato. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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FRIES: Use an air-fryer (or your oven) to make “fries” out of sweet potato or parsnips. Image Credit: Pixabay

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PANCAKES: Make savoury muffins or pancakes by adding grated carrots, zucchini or cauliflower. Image Credit: Unsplash

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HEALTHY CHIPS: Make healthier chips by finely slicing sweet potato, carrot, beetroot and zucchini then baking until crispy. Image Credit: Unsplash

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TOMATO SAUCE: Upgrade a standard tomato sauce by adding carrots, red bell peppers, celery, beets, and onions. Image Credit: Unsplash

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MUFFINS: Throw in finely chopped zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms and spinach to muffins or fritters. Or try some superfood - blueberry, strawberry - additions. Image Credit: Unsplash

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HUMMUS: Mix steamed and pureed beetroot or butternut squash to hummus and labneh. Image Credit: Unsplash

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SMOOTHIE: Create a rainbow smoothie using a variety of fruits (berries, mango) and vegetables (kale, spinach). Feel free to add in frozen zucchini or cauliflower for a thicker texture (with barely any taste change). Image Credit: Shutterstock

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PASTA: Make a healthier Alfredo sauce by pureeing together steamed cauliflower and roasted garlic. Add in herbs like oregano or others, as desired. Image Credit: Unsplash

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Back to school: How to sneak healthy meals into kids’ lunchboxes

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Back to school: How to sneak healthy meals into kids’ lunchboxes

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