The kids are back at school again and right about now is the time that parents can start struggling with to put in lunch boxes. Healthy food is the obvious goal, but it’s also got to be tasty (it needs to get eaten) and it has to be easy to make (everyone is busy nowadays). Luckily, we have a whole range of cook books, ingredients, containers and premade snacks to help you out! To get the most out of your time, your budget and your kids, try some of these guidelines.
Think Outside The Square (Sandwich)
Sandwiches are easy to eat, but they can be a little on the boring side. And if you have fussy eaters that don’t want soggy salad on their sandwich it can be hard to get a healthy lunch into them. Try not to fall into the vegemite sandwich trap, this is not a great choice for growing bodies and minds. Rissoles or meat and veggie balls can be an easy lunch box edition, and little meals such as slices of lasagne, Shepard’s pie, quiche or frittata can be eaten cold and enjoyed. Even cold meats and roast veggies can be put in a container and sent along as an alternative to a sandwich.
Think Fresh, Think Colours
Have a look at your kids lunch boxes and count the processed items that came out of a packet- if there is more than 2 packet items you may want to consider tipping the balance back towards the fresh and raw side. Think veggie sticks, cheese sticks, and something to dip into like hommus. Think a little container of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. If the kids aren’t big on eating an apple or whole piece of fruit, try slicing it up or putting a mini fruit salad in with their lunch. Try and have a rainbow of colours in their lunches so you know they are getting a full range of antioxidants and phytonutrients from their food.
Think Outside The Square (Sandwich)
Sandwiches are easy to eat, but they can be a little on the boring side. And if you have fussy eaters that don’t want soggy salad on their sandwich it can be hard to get a healthy lunch into them. Try not to fall into the vegemite sandwich trap, this is not a great choice for growing bodies and minds. Rissoles or meat and veggie balls can be an easy lunch box edition, and little meals such as slices of lasagne, Shepard’s pie, quiche or frittata can be eaten cold and enjoyed. Even cold meats and roast veggies can be put in a container and sent along as an alternative to a sandwich.
Think Fresh, Think Colours
Have a look at your kids lunch boxes and count the processed items that came out of a packet- if there is more than 2 packet items you may want to consider tipping the balance back towards the fresh and raw side. Think veggie sticks, cheese sticks, and something to dip into like hommus. Think a little container of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. If the kids aren’t big on eating an apple or whole piece of fruit, try slicing it up or putting a mini fruit salad in with their lunch. Try and have a rainbow of colours in their lunches so you know they are getting a full range of antioxidants and phytonutrients from their food.
Think Sweet Treats
Including a healthy sweet treat in the kids lunch boxes will help reduce lunchbox envy. Snack balls can be a great option, providing protein, good fats and fibre from seeds, protein powder, coconut and (if allowed) nuts, plus a side of yumminess from raw cacao, honey, maple syrup or rice malt syrup. Superfood bars, muffins or slices (we have a great range of whole food options) can be an excellent way to give the kids something naughty but healthy!
Containers Count
Nowadays it is recognised that a wide variety of plastics contain synthetic oestrogens which can impact on our health if we consume enough of them. Look for plastic BPA free drink bottles, food storage containers and lunch boxes, or choose something a little sturdier in stainless steel. Be aware of how the kids are storing their lunch boxes, are they in the shade? Do they need an icepack in there to keep things cool and enjoyable? There’s nothing that reminds me more of school then the thought of a hot, soggy, chicken and salad sandwich. No one got food poisoning to my knowledge, but we certainly didn’t look forward to our yummy lunches!
Allergies and Intolerances
We have a huge range of cook books, ingredients, and premade items to help you cater for every time of food allergy or intolerance. These are becoming far more widespread, with easily one in two children suffering from some type of reaction to common food items. These reactions can be obvious or not. Behavioural issues are a significant indicator of food intolerances in children, as are digestive issues, excessive gas, recurrent colds, lowered immunity and skin rashes, dermatitis or psoriasis. A simple blood test is available for purchase in store to identify food intolerances from 45 different common foods. If you believe your child may have food intolerances, book a consultation with our naturopath Rhianna to discuss the option of testing.
Including a healthy sweet treat in the kids lunch boxes will help reduce lunchbox envy. Snack balls can be a great option, providing protein, good fats and fibre from seeds, protein powder, coconut and (if allowed) nuts, plus a side of yumminess from raw cacao, honey, maple syrup or rice malt syrup. Superfood bars, muffins or slices (we have a great range of whole food options) can be an excellent way to give the kids something naughty but healthy!
Containers Count
Nowadays it is recognised that a wide variety of plastics contain synthetic oestrogens which can impact on our health if we consume enough of them. Look for plastic BPA free drink bottles, food storage containers and lunch boxes, or choose something a little sturdier in stainless steel. Be aware of how the kids are storing their lunch boxes, are they in the shade? Do they need an icepack in there to keep things cool and enjoyable? There’s nothing that reminds me more of school then the thought of a hot, soggy, chicken and salad sandwich. No one got food poisoning to my knowledge, but we certainly didn’t look forward to our yummy lunches!
Allergies and Intolerances
We have a huge range of cook books, ingredients, and premade items to help you cater for every time of food allergy or intolerance. These are becoming far more widespread, with easily one in two children suffering from some type of reaction to common food items. These reactions can be obvious or not. Behavioural issues are a significant indicator of food intolerances in children, as are digestive issues, excessive gas, recurrent colds, lowered immunity and skin rashes, dermatitis or psoriasis. A simple blood test is available for purchase in store to identify food intolerances from 45 different common foods. If you believe your child may have food intolerances, book a consultation with our naturopath Rhianna to discuss the option of testing.
Giving your kids a healthy, fresh, colourful and tasty lunch box will be the absolute best thing you can do for their growth and development. We are here to help you if you have any questions or need recommendations or more personalised advice. Give us a call, or pop in today.
