Holiday Bento Box Tips For You
Bento boxes are ideal for picnics, road trips, or just for your child’s holiday activities. Did you know that presenting healthy food in an attractive manner and involving your child in food preparation helps nurture healthy eating habits? Check out these bento-making ideas for preparing simple and nutritious meals at home. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your little ones unleash their hidden creativity too!
1. Before you start, here are some basic tools:







2. What goes into the bento box?
Follow the #QuarterQuarterHalf rule to help provide energy and nutrients needed for your child. Alternatively, you could also use your child’s hand to estimate the portion.



3. Useful tips
- Choose a variety of colours and textures for an attractive bento.
- Separate food using silicone cups/dividers or edible separators, such as lettuce leaves, cucumber or carrot slices.
- Pack food tightly and use small items (eg. cherry tomatoes or steamed broccoli) to fill in small gaps and prevent food from moving around in the bento box.
- Select vegetables that do not wilt easily (eg. cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, broccoli, cucumber).
- Food not to be eaten raw (eg. meat / fish / egg) must be cooked well. Allow cooked food to cool before packing.
Have fun with bento recipes HERE!
Reference:
- J. Haines et al. Nurturing Children's Healthy Eating: Position statement. Appetite 137 (2019) 124–133
- Guide to Healthy Eating & Active Living, Volume 1, Nutrition Month Malaysia 2019
- https://www.justonecookbook.com/how-to-make-bento/
- http://www.basictokyo.com/top10mustknowbentotips/
- https://thenewageparents.com/4-simple-steps-to-bento-making/
- https://www.milo.com.my/nourishing-goodness/bento-box