What’s in the tiffin box: Exploring how the lunch box impacts your child’s day at school

When the period after lunch begins, one can often notice different behavioural patterns. Some students might be alert, jotting down notes and participating in class, while others may feel sluggish, wanting to take a nap on the infamous ‘last bench’ trying to escape the teacher’s watchful eyes. Several conversations about school and children might revolve around screen time, marks and extracurricular activities, but a vital one is what is being packed in the lunchbox.

A study states that diets high in trans and saturated fats can negatively impact learning, memory, students’ thinking skills, behaviour and even health. Nutritional deficiencies early in life can affect the cognitive development of schoolchildren. (Tara, 2005)

Every bite that a child takes from their lunchbox plays a role in how they will take in the rest of the day in terms of mood, energy and attention, etc. A hungry child will not be able to focus on what is being taught and the one who has had a sugary meal is not calm.

For instance, consuming a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits and lentils etc. helps children to stay active through the day while they participate in different activities and classroom learning, etc. Foods high in refined sugar can lead to energy spikes, but also cause one to feel tired. When meals are unbalanced, one result is this energy pattern: ‘morning energy and afternoon fatigue’.

At times, lunchboxes could be put together in a hurry. The chaos of a weekday morning. Multiple commitments. A few appointments. Niche preferences. It can induce some amount of stress to come up with creative ideas every day to ensure that the child comes back home with an empty tiffin.

What can help here are some key pointers, such as including a variety of food groups that support their growth, immunity, and cognitive function. Planning ahead also can lower the worries around tiffin preps. Stock up on seasonal veggies and fruits. Pick a designated day and fill up your pantry with all things nutritious.

Another idea is to involve children in this task. Help them select the essentials to include in their tiffins. Such conversations are opportunities to build understanding of nutrition and how well-balanced nutrition can strengthen them.

Schools also play a key role in shifting attention towards balanced nutrition. Orchids The International School has collaborated with a subscription-based meal service company to offer its students nutritious meals.

The food meets nutrient targets with an apt amount of grains, proteins, vegetables and fruits to ensure that your little one is energised and also stays focused through the day. The meals are prepared by trained professionals in uber-new on-site kitchens, adhering to the highest safety standards. They have also paid attention to ensuring that the menu is compliant with the diet needs of growing children, as recommended by trained nutritionists.

Every palate seeks a different taste, and Orchids The International School has kept its menu fresh and diverse for its students.

While dialogues continue to evolve on subjects like technology, learning methods etc. it is key to remember the vitality of nutrition in a child’s school experience. Schools, too, understand the significance of meals and support better eating habits whereas families too work on giving children meals that satiate their taste buds without compromising on health. Together, these efforts enable children to make the most out of their school lives.

To know more about our curriculum, branches and admission process, visit Orchids The International School.

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Orchids The International School by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.