By the end of September, school lunches have become a dull chore for both mum and child. If you find yourself uninspired and repeating the same old food patterns, here are a few suggestions for an interesting (and healthy) lunchbox:
Wrap it Up: While the trusty sandwich is a classic lunchbox component, wraps are a healthier alternative as bread can cause an afternoon energy slump. Fun fillings such as chicken and pesto, tuna and sweetcorn or ‘pizza’ (tomato puree, cheese and ham) will make lunch suddenly seem exciting.
Take a Pop: Popcorn is a healthy alternative to bars and crisps, but it can get a little boring. Pop your own, coat it in a homemade flavouring and pack it in a sandwich bag for the kids. There are so many flavour combinations, it will always be an interesting addition.
Sweet Tooth: For more adventurous children, you can replace sweet treats with hummus and veggie sticks or even pretzels with cream cheese.
Feeling Fruity: Kids might be unimpressed with a lone orange or apple, but a fruit salad can seem exciting. Chop up a variety of fruit the night before and store it in small container for their lunchbox. Don’t forget to put some aside for yourself.
A ‘Rice’ Alternative: If you want to give your kids something more interesting than a yogurt for their school lunch, try a homemade rice pudding. You have more freedom with flavourings and you can even involve your child in the cooking process.
