M-Design is proud to collaborate with Italian nutrition expert Dr. Martina Montecchia* to bring you a curated meal plan designed exclusively for our Fresco Lunch Box collection (1.1L, 1.6L, and 2.1L). These recipes and tips focus on balanced portions, vibrant flavours, and cultural and dietary habits for children. With easily accessible ingredients, these colourful, delicious meals are quick to prepare—helping parents promote a healthy lifestyle for kids at school.
Let’s make lunchtime both nutritious and fun!
Child nutrition is a crucial topic that demands our collective attention and effort. Even today, millions of our children worldwide experience malnutrition—not just undernourishment but also obesity. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child is entitled to the highest attainable standard of health. A balanced diet plays a key role in achieving this goal, supporting their physical growth and mental development.
We’re committed to helping families navigate this important journey in a way that’s both impactful and practical. Our goal is to offer ideas that are easy to prepare, environmentally conscious, and budget-friendly. And because we know kids can be picky, we’re making sure these ideas are as fun and colourful as they are nutritious—helping little ones explore the amazing variety that nature has to offer.
These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy healthy, delicious meals at home, school, or work. As part of our project, we’ll share practical lunchbox ideas to simplify school meal planning. These lunchboxes will feature nutritionally balanced menus, focusing on a variety of grains, proteins, and vegetables presented in appealing ways. We’ll also highlight the importance of drinking water throughout the day and encourage steering clear of sugary and fizzy drinks.
Let’s work together to create meals that are as enjoyable to eat as they are nourishing—because healthy eating should be a joy for the whole family! 🩵
MEAL PLAN 1: 🌱 Here is what you need for this meal!
Using our Fresco Lunch Box 1.6L
Burger Recipe Ingredients (Makes approx. 18 burgers):
- Chickpeas 500g
- Potato 200g
- Breadcrumbs 100g
- Onion 100g
- Salt to taste
- Spices to taste
- 🧡 Orange Burger: 100g Pumpkin & Carrot
- 💚 Green Burger: 200g Spinach
- 🩷 Pink Burger: 100g Beetroot
- Turmeric & Garlic Powder as needed
Preparation: Step 1 Blend the chickpeas with the boiled/steamed potato, breadcrumbs (or sandwich bread), onion, and salt. This will form a base of approximately 900g. Step 2 Divide the mixture into three equal parts. For 🧡 orange burgers, blend in boiled and pureed pumpkin & carrot with a touch of turmeric. For 💚 green burgers, blend in boiled and pureed spinach. For 🩷 pink burgers, blend in boiled and pureed beetroot. Mix each portion well, adjusting with breadcrumbs if necessary. Step 3 Bake in a static oven at 180°C (360°F) for about 20 minutes, or air-fry at 180°C (360°F) for 15 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the burgers and the type of oven/air fryer. The rest of the burgers can be stored in one of our Fresco Food Containers in the freezer for up 3 month or fridge for 1 week.
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#MyHealthyMDesign
🌱 Did you know?
A plant-based diet rich in grains, vegetables, and fruits is not only better for your health but also for the environment—and it can be budget-friendly too. This Veganuary (a global movement encouraging plant-based eating in January), discover our lunch box packed with simple, nutritious, and balanced meals to make healthy eating more accessible.
Use #MyHealthyMDesign and share your healthy experience with us and the full comumunity 🩵
MEAL PLAN 2: Enjoy your homemade, healthy nuggets!✨
Using our Fresco Lunch Box 1.1L
Chicken Nuggets Recipe Ingredients (Makes approx. 16 nuggets):
- Chicken breast 400g
- Breadcrumbs 40g
- Milk 40g
- Greek yougurt 80g
- Salt to taste
- Garlic powder or spices of your choice
- Panko or cornflakes of your choice
Preparation: Step 1 Chop the chicken breast into small pieces and blend them in a food processor whit salt, garlic powder (or your preferred spices), milk, and Greek yogurt to the mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Step 2 Shape the mixture into small balls, then form each ball into a triangular shape. Step 3 Crush the cornflakes coarsely and mix them with the breadcrumbs. Coat each nugget in this mixture. Step 4 Bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 25 minutes, or cook them in an air fryer (adjust cooking times according to your specific air fryer or oven).
🗞️ Did you know that children’s diets today are often too high in foods containing animal proteins and sugary drinks? This can lead to issues such as obesity and related illnesses. Let’s try building children’s meals by choosing just one source of protein (alternating between meat, fish, cheese, legumes, and eggs), one source of complex carbohydrates like grains, and always including fruit, vegetables, and water!
Use #MyHealthyMDesign and share your healthy experience with us and the full comumunity 🩵
Let’s make every meal a step towards healthier, happier kids! #MyHealthyMDesign
Who is *Dr. Martina Montecchia? Dr. Martina Montecchia is an Italian Dietitian with a degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Milan. Specialising in sports nutrition, she works with athletes, teaches Food Science and Mindful Eating, and holds a Master’s in Food History from Bologna. She leads seminars and projects focused on healthy eating, including school programs.
References: https://www.unicef.it/convenzione-diritti-infanzia/articoli https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240101876 https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/obesity https://mped.gov.eg/Highlights?id=1&lang=en&Egypt-Vision-2030-Launch https://sdgs.un.org/national-commitments-sdg-transformation/21965