Pack them off to school with some healthy brain fuel
It’s all too easy for kids to fill up on junk like crisps and chocolate, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tasty and healthy lunchbox ideas for kids.
Carbs are good for energy but don’t serve up a sandwich every day – vary it a little with wholemeal pitta bread halves stuffed with tuna mayonnaise, or cheese and coleslaw in a wholemeal wrap or kebabs of cheese, tomato, rolled up ham and cucumber. And why not give them some homemade Quiche Lorraine, Tomato Tarte Tatin, Frittata, rice, pasta or potato salad, couscous or falafel with houmous for added variety.
Put in a selection of finger foods – healthy snacks for children include cherry tomatoes, which are sweet and healthy, while dips like houmous or cottage cheese with chopped peppers and carrot are tasty as well as being good for them.
Avoid giving them chocolate bars as these have zero nutrition. Instead include some healthy bakes every now and then as a treat. Lunchbox ideas for kids could include flapjacks, fruit scones, banana or carrot cake or jelly with fruit pieces in.
As well as fresh fruit like grapes, bananas and apples, include dried fruits too like raisins and apricots, and unsalted nuts if your child likes them. You could also make them into a fruit salad if your child is more likely to eat it that way.
Snack-size cheeses are a healthy snack for children as they are a good source of calcium and protein – include some oatcakes for them to eat it with – these are a healthier alternative to salty crackers, plus they help to keep energy levels steady.
Choose pure fruit juice rather than a fruit juice drink as these contain lower amounts of fruit, or how about some drinking yoghurt or flavoured milk for a calcium boost?