It is important for kids to have lunches that are not only filling and nutritious, but also interesting enough they will not come home again! If you are struggling to pack something besides a sandwich and an apple, here are some ideas that might be worth experimenting with:
Frosty Oranges
For a refreshing treat, grab an orange and cut into segments. Place the segments back together, wrap in foil and pop in the freezer. Add to your lunchbox in the morning- by mid-morning it should be perfect! Juicy, sweet, and nice and high in vitamin C and fibre.
Mini Torties
Instead of a sandwich, try a mini tortilla wrap or two. Use fillings that will not go soggy and try to incorporate some protein to help with fullness. Try the following combos:
- Baby spinach leaves, cheese, and grated carrot
- Mashed egg with crisp baby cos lettuce and sprouts
- Chicken with shredded lettuce and thin slices of cucumber
Add a small amount of pepper, avocado, seeded mustard or sweet chilli sauce for extra flavour.
Popcorn
For a low-cost, low kilojoule, high- fibre option you really cannot beat popcorn.
Try popping it yourself, skipping the extra butter and salt. Instead experiment with different flavours, for example:
- 1 tsp melted coconut oil, 1 tsp brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon-pepper or garlic powder
- 1 tsp coconut oil, 1 tsp chai powder
Fruit Smoothie
If you have an insulated thermos handy, why not try packing a smoothie? They are super versatile and can be a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Try blending ½ cup rolled oats, 1 small banana, 1 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, and a cup of your choice of milk for a small meal that is high in fibre, protein and slow release energy for the next few hours.
Ingredients are limited to your imagination: berries, baby spinach, pepitas, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pineapple, walnuts, turmeric, cucumber… mix it up!
One more thing…
If you are packing lunch for someone you love, spending 30 seconds to add a small handwritten note to it will be some of the most valued time you will ever give. A simple ‘I love you’, ‘Have a great day!’ or ‘I look forward to a hug when we get home!’ will be remembered long after lunch is finished.