Packing a healthy school tiffin is one of the biggest daily challenges for parents in India. A dietitian has now rated the most common lunchbox options, from paratha to maggi. The ratings reveal surprising winners and clear losers for kids lunch.
Aloo Paratha Scores 8 to 9 Out of 10
Aloo paratha is a firm favourite among children and can be a great tiffin option if made properly. The dietitian gave it a rating of 8 to 9 out of 10. Parents can add paneer if their child is overweight. For underweight kids, aloo paratha is an excellent choice that can be tweaked as per need.
Bread Jam and Maggi Score Near Zero
Bread jam may taste good, but it is not a healthy tiffin option. The dietitian rated it just 1 or 2 out of 10. Maggi is loved by kids and easy to make, yet it scored 0 out of 10 for the lunchbox. Parents should avoid these items in the regular school tiffin.
Sandwich Gets 5 Out of 10
Sandwiches received a middle score of 5 out of 10 from the dietitian. This means they are not a completely bad option, but should not be given repeatedly. If you do make a sandwich, prepare it in a healthier way. Just make sure it does not become a daily tiffin habit.
Poha Is Good With Added Protein
Poha is a solid tiffin option and earned a rating of 8 out of 10. To make it even better, add a source of protein to the dish. Peanuts or paneer can be mixed into poha for a tastier combo. This gives kids better nutrition along with the flavour they enjoy.
Fruits, Salad, Pastry and Chips Are Weak Picks
Fruits and salad are usually seen as healthy, but they scored only 2 out of 10 for tiffins. Cutting them in the morning makes them less healthy by lunchtime. Pastry and donuts scored just 1 out of 10. Chips and biscuits were left out of the rating list entirely.
Veg Paratha Is the Top Tiffin Choice
Veg paratha earned the best score of 9 out of 10 for kids lunchboxes. You can stuff different vegetables into the paratha for variety. Avoid giving only aloo or bhindi paratha every single day. Mixing veggies straight into the dough makes the paratha easier for kids to eat.
