- Be prepared and organised – Pack lunchboxes the evening before, rather than during the hectic school morning rush.
- Get the kids involved – Learning about food and nutrition are important life skills & should be encouraged from an early age.
- Try new foods – Children’s food preferences evolve as they mature, so continuously encouraging them to try new and different foods is a crucial step in their development of good eating habits.
- Shake things up – Variety is key: not only does variation in the diet provide nutritional benefits, but it reduces boredom and lack of interest in food.
- Consider presentation – It is worth spending that extra few minutes on presentation, especially for younger children. Aim for a variety of shapes, colours and textures.
- Don’t forget about hydration – research suggests dehydration can lead to reduced concentration and performance in children. Water and milk are two excellent tooth-friendly choices; try to avoid sugary drinks.
Lunchbox Ideas
Sandwich Fillers
Spinach leaves, crunchy peppers & Cheddar cheese
Tuna & sweetcorn mix (natural yogurt/low-fat mayo)
Chicken, mixed salad & tomato relish
Turkey, grated Cheddar cheese & tomato
Sandwich Alternatives
Pesto pasta salad with chicken & peppers
Couscous with roasted vegetables & chickpeas
Rice salad with sliced hardboiled egg & spring onion
Homemade soup & brown bread
Snacks
Carrot and red pepper sticks with hummus
Cubed Cheddar cheese with grapes
Fruit salad with yogurt and seeds
Fresh fruit smoothie made with milk or yogurt