With Summer holidays coming to an end and the new school term looming, our thoughts turn to lunch boxes for the kids – How do we make them interesting? How do make them healthy? How do we prepare them with minimum fuss when we’re tired after a long working day?
Hopefully our tips below will give parents some much-needed lunch box inspiration.
Photo credit: Loaded lunch boxes
Lunch box inspiration
Thinking up exciting and balanced lunch boxes every day for your little ones should be a joy but can very quickly turn into a chore – especially when we’re tired and lacking inspiration!
It’s very tempting to chuck in a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar, and whilst these are acceptable once in a while, we all want to make sure our kids are eating a balanced diet that will tempt their taste buds and power them up for an afternoon at school
Healthy choices
According to NHS Choices a balanced lunchbox should contain the following:
Starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes
Protein foods like meat, fish, beans or eggs
A dairy item – some cheese or a yogurt is ideal
Vegetables or salad and a portion of fruit
Easy lunch ideas
Food should look appealing, so you want to eat it. Nobody wants to see those lunchboxes coming home from school untouched!
The humble cheese or jam sandwich is not to be knocked but, if you want to ensure your kids are eating well during their school day, you might like to try some of these easy recipes from BBC Good Food
Omelette in a bun
Omelettes can be eaten hot or cold and can be made the night before. Fill them with juicy cherry tomatoes, crumbled cheddar or mozzarella, ham & pineapple (for a take on your favourite kid’s pizza!) Sandwich between a soft bread roll. Older kids might like some salsa or pickle on the side.
Super Salad Wraps
Wraps look appetising and are a great way to pack in those veggies at lunch time. Why not encourage your kids to make them with you and try out their own favourite combinations? Cheese, hummus, cheese spread, ham, chicken slices, tuna or egg all make a great base. Just add shredded lettuce, sweetcorn or chopped cucumber for a super crunchy veggie hit!
Pasta – an alternative to sandwiches
Most kids like pasta – it’s easy and quick to make, can be customised with various sauces and ingredients and fills them up! Try a basic cheese or tomato sauce and add your favourite chicken, ham, prawns, hard boiled egg, peas, chopped courgette. The possibilities are endless! Pasta works well hot or cold so is the ideal lunch box meal.
Check out our website for ideas EASY RECIPES FOR KIDS that you can make at home with store cupboard ingredients such as our PIZZA SANDWICH
Feasts in a Flask
If the British summer time is anything to go by, there will be some chillier days on the horizon! If you want to send your little ones off with something warm and hearty in their school bag, then consider investing in a wide necked flask and some plastic cutlery.
You can then whip up batches of tasty soup in advance (hiding all those essential veggies, of course!) or why not try a veg-packed curry or leftover casserole or Shepherds Pie.
Chocolate Dipped Fruit
Photo credit: Our Happy Mess
Children are notorious for returning uneaten fruit in their lunch boxes but who can resist a chocolate dipped orange segment or strawberry? Apple slices, kiwi and cherries also work well. Let your imagination run riot and add some excitement to your child’s lunch time. We guarantee they won’t miss the chocolate biscuit bar! Dipped fruit can be made in advance and refrigerated, using either plain, milk or white chocolate.
Hopefully this has given you some ideas of how to level up your children’s lunch boxes. If you have any recipes you’d like to share, please drop us a line at everythingsrosie@vandsent.com We’d love to hear from you! 😊