Nutritionist approved lunch box foods for kids

By Bio Island Nutrition Team

Having nutritious lunch box foods for kids doesn’t have to be hard or time consuming. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot to give your kids healthy food options that will sustain them throughout the day, keeping them alert and focused.

Crunch&Sip is a set time in primary schools for students to refuel and hydrate with easy to grab fruits and vegetables.

Many schools now have Crunch&Sip breaks for children, these foods are great for these breaks or enjoyed at any break time, and they don’t need too much preparation;

• Mini cucumbers
• Baby capsicums
• Cherry tomatoes
• Broccoli florets.
• Apples
• Bananas
• Mandarin
• Berries
• Grapes

For lunch itself why not have;

• Crispy chicken noodle salad: Grilled say marinated chicken breast slices, broccoli, shredded carrot, snow peas with crispy noodles or zoodles.
• Pesto macaroni: Wholemeal macaroni pasta, diced tomatoes, olives, pesto sauce.
• Burrito bowl: Rice, diced roasted sweet potato, black beans, tomato salsa.
• Middle eastern wrap: Hummus, falafel and Lebanese bread.

To save time, why not pack leftovers? All you have to do is make a little extra while cooking dinner the night before. Investing in a good quality thermos will keep the food warm until lunch time.

Great thermos leftover foods include:

• Spaghetti
• Curry
• Fried rice
• Shephard’s pie

Remember, there is nothing wrong with a good old fashioned sandwich. Healthy fillings include;

• Cheese
• Avocado
• Baby spinach and rocket
• Shredded carrot
• Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Chicken

Of course, adjustments can be made to suit climate especially if your child’s school bag is kept outside during the day. Add a frozen popper or bottled water to keep food cool and by lunch time they will also have a nice cold drink.

With a little bit of organisation and practice you will have your kids lunches the envy of not only their friends, but the teacher too.