Bento boxes are compact lunch boxes that have smaller compartments to hold a variety of food. The origin of these boxes can be traced back to Japan, but nowadays it is used almost everywhere in the world due to their ease of use. Bento lunch boxes can easily include grains, proteins, vegetables, fruits and even snacks, making them a great option for packing a balanced meal. Students and working professionals prefer bento boxes because of their practicality and portion control benefits. Using a bento box, you can easily pack a balanced meal for your lunch break.
Choice of Food for a Balanced Bento Meal
Choosing the right food in your bento box is essential to having a balanced meal. Bento lunch boxes are designed with multiple compartments to pack different food groups. Using these compartments, you can make your lunch nutritionally balanced as well as visually appealing.
- You may fill one compartment of the box with a portion of rice or chapatis, paired with a curry or dal, as your main dish.
- Use the next compartment in your bento to pack a side dish, which could be your favourite source of protein. Chicken, eggs, paneer, beans and tofu are some options.
- For your snacks, pack some cooked vegetables or a salad in another compartment of your bento. You can even add some nuts for extra fibre and crunch.
- You can also include a dessert in your bento if you are a sweet tooth or swap it for a fruit for a healthier option.
Given below are a few tips to keep in mind while packing a balanced bento lunch box.
- Select the right bento box for your meal. Basil offers a wide range of bento lunch boxes, with either two, three or four compartments. Choose the one that meets your needs.
- To keep your meal nutritionally balanced, pack a larger portion of proteins and vegetables. Try to moderate the amount of carbs and sweets.
- Use smaller containers to pack dips or chutney for your lunch to ensure that they do not mix with the other compartments of food in your bento.
Bento Packing Tips
A bento box should be packed with consideration to keep the lunch convenient and creative. Keep the following tips in mind while packing your bento lunch box.
- Ensure that your bento box is clean and dry before packing your food.
- Use clean utensils to pack the food instead of your bare hands to avoid any kind of contamination.
- Use each compartment for a different food group to keep the flavours separate and make the food visually appealing.
- Bento lunch boxes help to manage food portions. Avoid overpacking the sections and fill the compartments neatly.
- Pack colorful fruits and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, bananas or any other seasonal fruit. This not only makes the bento look appetising but also helps to keep the meal balanced.
- Cut your vegetables, fruits and eggs into bite-sized pieces to make them more convenient to eat.
- Plan your meals beforehand to save time in the morning. Preparing the meal the night before saves you time in the morning and gets your lunch ready quickly.
Basil Bento Boxes – Designed for Indian Dishes
Basil bento boxes make lunch packing efficient and easy. Made out of stainless steel, these lunch boxes are not only sturdy and long-lasting but also food safe and toxin-free. The tops of the lids are made of plastic, and each box features a unique design, from the tigers of Bengal to Tamil Nadu’s Kolam, and even the Japanese Sakura. For minimalist enthusiasts, Basil offers a Classic Black, Classic Grey and Indigo Zen bento box. Basil bento lunch boxes are designed for Indian lunches like dal, curries and gravies as the interior of the lids is lined with food-safe silicone to prevent any leakage or spillage of the food, even in between the compartments. Use these bento boxes to have a well-balanced meal for your lunch breaks.
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