Fun ideas for a healthy lunch box:

It’s easy for all of us to fall into the trap of grabbing and eating unhealthy snacks when we are on the run and short of time.  When it comes to school lunches, grabbing packaged food can seem like the easiest solution, especially if our kids are ‘fussy eaters’. However, for our kids to function well at school, we need to find a bit of extra energy and time to encourage healthy eating, no matter what age our children are. Here are some fun and creative ways to encourage your kids to eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet to ensure they are getting the best out of their day.

WARNING: These ideas will take a bit more time, but it’s worth it!

• KIDS LOVE CHOICE. In the morning place a variety of items on the kitchen counter. Eg. A tub of yoghurt, some pieces of fruit, packet of sultanas, packet of carrot sticks, packet of plain popcorn… and let your child choose the three items they will take that day. Kids love being part of choosing their lunches!

• Giggle. Buy some interesting shaped cookie cutters and make their sandwiches into a funny shape to make them laugh

• Colour. Add as much natural colour to your kid’s lunch boxes as possible. If everything looks ‘white’, you know the nutritional content of your kid’s lunch is out of balance.

• Mini lunch. One day, make everything mini bite size. Have a lunch box filled with cherry tomatoes, mini carrot sticks, mini celery sticks dipped in peanut butter, mini sandwiches (whole grain bread or living breads such as rye, spelt etc.), a mini home made cup cake, mini rice crackers etc.

• Dip time. Find a healthy hummus or tzaziki and send your kid to school with a ‘mezze’ plate. Cut up carrot sticks, celery, cheese, whole grain crackers, capsicum etc. and place them around a big tub of hummus for them to dip!

• Hidden treasure. Every now and then, hide a surprise treat under your kids sandwiches – maybe a mini game or toy, or perhaps a small ‘treat’ like a biscuit or a couple of pieces of organic, dark chocolate. You could place a little note telling them you love them and are thinking of them.

• Toasties. Simple toast your kids sandwich in a grill, let it cool then wrap it for a slight variation to their sandwich. Baked beans or tuna is a great alternative to ham and cheese. Remember, kids need protein in their diets.

• Frozen fruit. In the summer time, it is a great idea to place some fruit in your freezer and send a mini frozen fruit salad off with the kids. Fruit such as watermelon, grapes & banana are a great idea, will keep your kids sandwiches cool and will be a delicious snack for morning tea.

• Leftover dinner. Just like you, your children may enjoy some left overs. A piece of quiche, cold chicken wrap, lamb roast on bread etc. is a nice change to vegemite sandwiches!

• No more soggy sandwiches. If your child complains about having soggy sandwiches, try packing 2 pieces of bread in a zip lock bag. Then place potential ‘fillers’ such as cheese, grated carrot, lettuce, tomatos etc., in another zip lock bag. Show them how to ‘create their own sandwich’ during lunch time. Hard boiled eggs are another great snack to zip up in a bag.

• Wholemeal pancakes. Wholemeal pancakes, strawberries, banana and apples are a great, healthy snack for your kids lunch box.

• Around the world. Instead of sending a packet of crisps (chips) to school, simple pop some pappadums in the microwave for a few seconds, and send them off to school with a healthy alternative.