One question we always get asked at nursery from new and existing parents as well as families looking round is “what can I put in my child’s lunchbox” or “I’m struggling for ideas for lunches” so we thought we would help out and give you some ideas!!
It really all does depend on what your child likes to eat as to what you pack them up with, our only ask is that it’s a balanced meal, children are allowed to bring a treat in their box!
Variety is the spice of lunchboxes!
Be adventurous and get creative to mix up what goes in their lunchbox.
Keep them fuller for longer, base the lunchbox on foods like bread, rice, pasta and potatoes.
Choose wholegrain where you can.
DIY lunches
Wraps and pots of fillings can be more exciting for children when they get to put them together.
Dipping foods are also fun and make a change from a sandwich each day.
Try different fillings: Ham, chicken, turkey, tuna, cream cheese, hard cheese, salami, chicken&avocado, falafel or chopped sausages
Swap lunch for a breakfast box with some mini pancakes, fruit and yoghurt
Try different breads Wholemeal, seeded, pitta, wraps, sandwich thins, bagel thins
Cherry tomatoes, or sticks of carrot, cucumber, celery and peppers are great ideas in lunchboxes along side a small pot of hummus.
As a change to crisps try adding popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, pea snacks, chickpea sticks, veggie straws, lentil curls or breadsticks
Bite-size fruit try chopped apple, peeled satsuma segments, strawberries, blueberries, halved grapes or melon slices.
Fruit pots A small pot of fruit in juice is perfect for lunchboxes
Try dried fruits, dried fruit such as raisins, sultanas and dried apricots
Get them involved get your children involved in preparing and choosing what goes in their lunchbox. They are more likely to eat it if they helped make it.
Some parents send children with a child sized thermos so they can enjoy a hot lunch these include left over dinners from the night before, pastas, soups, macaroni cheese, beans or spaghetti the list is endless https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes
