Well school holidays are almost over for most of Australia, and whilst it’s been great to have a break from routine, now we have to get our heads back in the game of school lunches.
Here’s 5 easy school lunch ideas you can take today to make packing lunches easier this week.
1. Freeze
Cut up some oranges in quarters and freeze them, then pop them straight into a container for school in the morning. Depending on the temperature of the day, these will still be slightly frozen by recess (which kids tend to love icy foods) or they’ll be at least cold and juicy. Or you could make smoothies and freeze them – check out this great post about lunchbox smoothies by Modern Parents, Messy Kids.
2. Vegetables
Choose 1 or 2 vegetables to go in this weeks lunchbox, wash and prepare them. For instance, wash cherry tomatoes, boil corn and cut into cobs, cut carrots into sticks. When I cut vegetables, I prepare a couple for a couple of days, then wrap them in moist paper towel, and put inside an air tight container.
3. Dips
Make a quick dip to go with vegetables and crackers. Hommus is so simple to make and acts as a protein source too. Here’s a post with 3 ridiculously easy lunchbox dips.
4. Mains
It’s important to remember lunchboxes need to contain a good source of protein and fats, not just carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are your child’s energy source but this really depends on the quality of the carbohydrate. The protein and fats are what keeps their tummies full and helps with concentration.
Here’s a couple of ideas:
- meatballs and hamburger patties – the meatballs can be put on a roll to make a sub, and the patties on multigrain bread to make a great sandwich. Add some avocado as a good fat source and some basic salad ingredients to really boost the quality of the lunch. Or if you don’t do bread, simply and these as finger food.
- crumbed chicken fingers or nuggets – again these can be used on sandwiches or as finger foods
- chicken drummers – these are always a winner as a lunchbox finger food
- fritters – another great finger food idea. Try this recipe for Five Minute Fritters by Food For Kids.
5. Snack food
Many kids today have lunchboxes with convenient packet foods, and because of the nature of marketing these foods are also associated with being great and fun. Kids who don’t have these foods often feel as if they are missing out on the fun, so I like to include a lunch item which is fun so they don’t feel like they are missing out. Today you could make up a batch of any of these things and be set for the week.
- popcorn – check out this video of popcorn 3 ways
- pikelets or pancakes – make a big batch and freeze, defrost the night before. You can make these super simple lunchbox pikelets, or if you’re up for being a bit more adventurous, watch this video for pikelets 6 ways
- brownies, muffins or a cake – I always try to make muffins or cakes but ensure I include a vegetable source in it as well, and I always make recipes that can be frozen. This way I can make a big batch and use them over a couple of weeks. I love making these berry nice brownies from Well Nourished but this week I am going to try these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins by 123 Nourish Me.
Your mission now
Your mission now should you choose to accept it, is to make packing lunches easier for yourself this week. Choose 1 item from each of these 5 and make them today. This way you’ll be set for the week. Have a great week.
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