What should be in your kids lunchbox? Healthy, tasty school lunch ideas
Tuesday 31 January 2017
As a parent or carer of children, coming up with tasty and healthy lunchbox ideas every week for your kids can be overwhelming, especially in the middle of a busy school term. But arming yourself with some simple recipes, tips and shopping suggestions and early in the school year will set you up for success.
1. Focus on variety
No matter what your child’s weight, height, gender or age, they need to eat from the five core food groups every day.
Fruit and vegetables, wholegrain or rice based bread and crackers*, meat or a meat alternative and reduced fat dairy such as cheese - cottage cheese and cream cheese – should be the building blocks. Buy in bulk or get fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season to help keep the cost down.
Snacks are important too. Like adults, kids need to feel enticed by something tasty or they may lose interest. Cheese & crackers, homemade pikelets, and an occasional sweet item (but not every day) can help teach your kids about a balanced diet.
See some of our ideas in action in the video below.
* Be aware of nut or other allergies that may rule some foods out completely.
2. Make a plan
Sometimes paper beats technology! Having a simple 5-day planner on your fridge or whiteboard where you’ll see it will keep you on track.
Divide your plan into four categories that will keep you focused on the core elements of a healthy lunch and you've got a simple formula to follow every day. Here's what you'll want to cover:
- Main item: whether it’s a wholegrain sandwich, pasta, a frittata or a wrap, you want to anchor a healthy school lunch with something nutritious, tasty, and filling. Items that are high in protein, fibre, and healthy fats can leave young stomachs feeling full for longer.
- 1-3 serves of fruit and vegetables: packed full of nutrients and energy for growing bodies
- A serve of reduced fat dairy: help ensure children develop healthy teeth and bones
- A healthy snack: try something home-made and avoid pre-packaged foods that are high in sugar and starch.
Make sure children have plenty of water available to drink too. Sometimes a frozen drink bottle can help keep it cool. Using an insulated lunch box or frozen foods to keep the food cold until eaten.
Our shopping list at the end of the article gives you options for every category. Why not print it out or take it with you on your mobile?
3. Get creative with preparation
- Mix up your fruit and veggies – you can chop up different coloured veggies for dipping, make fruit kebabs and freeze fruit like grapes and oranges, or cut watermelon in interesting shapes or slices.
- Remember to involve your children – let them be creative. Take them shopping and let them help choose fruits and vegetables and other healthy options for their lunchbox. They can also help prepare and pack their own school lunchbox.
- Why not be inspired by other food traditions? Bento boxes and sushi can help you add variety.
4. Be inspired by some simple recipes
Over at Healthier. Happier. we’ve got some recipes that are easy to prepare and can help jazz up your lunches throughout the week. Putting a little time into preparing and shopping well will pay off.
5. Anchor your plan with a great shopping list
Often the healthiest shopping list will be one that caters to the meals you are preparing at home, rather than highly packaged foods designed for lunch boxes. Here’s a guide to get you started:
Breads and cereals
- Wholegrain crackers
- Pita bread
- Rice crackers
- Wholegrain bread or bread rolls
Fruit
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Kiwi fruit
- Watermelon
- Strawberries or other berries
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Celery
- Lettuce
- Avocado
- Capsicum
- Cucumber
- Sweet corn
- Cherry tomatoes
Dairy
- Reduced fat cheese
- Reduced fat cottage cheese
- Reduced fat cream cheese
- Yoghurt
Lean meats & poultry
- Sliced chicken
- Sliced ham
- Tinned tuna or salmon
- Eggs
Snacks
- Tinned fruit
- Hummus dip
- Rice crackers
- Air-popped popcorn
