How to Make Your Very Own Healthy Bento Box Lunch
Do a quick Google or Pinterest search for “bento box,” and you’ll turn up thousands and thousands of fun ideas. Originating in Japan, this compartmentalized way of eating — with a serious flair for creativity and cuteness — is traditionally done with little portions of rice, fish or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped (or panda-shaped — see above) container. Here in the U.S., bento box lunches are an obvious choice for kids at school or on the go, but we say, why let the kids have all the fun? After all, a bento box lunch is a super easy way to eat a healthy meal. And, guys, they are so fun to make.
My Bento Box Lunch
For lunch the other day, I decided to make my own bento box. Reynolds Kitchens had sent us a few rolls of aluminium foil and parchment paper, plus some baking cups, to aid in my bento-boxing adventures. I just had to share!
Yes, I have a Hello Kitty lunch box.
Zucchini rounds with a turkey smile, dark-chocolate covered almonds, German-style yogurt and olive tapenade for my bento box lunch!
And those dark-chocolate covered almonds? They were in the CUTEST Reynolds foil baking cups. I spy penguins!
Okay, so I still have some work to do in the “crafty” food department (hey, at least I had Hello Kitty, a smiley face and penguins!), but I will say that my bento box lunch was healthy filling and a totally fun change of pace. To make your own, check out some of our best bento box tips on the next page!