Packing a healthy lunch that’ll be all gobbled up is a daily challenge. Packing a healthy school lunchbox might be daunting, but the benefits are enormous.
A good diet is essential for growth and development in children, but also for giving them the energy to be kids! A key change for kids at the start of the school year is the transition from holiday play to sitting and concentrating back at school. Fuelling them with the right balance of nutrients will play a part in keeping them energised and focused throughout the day.
So how do you get the right balance of nutrients? Keep it simple by including something from each of the five core food groups: veggies, fruit, meat or meat alternatives, dairy and wholegrains.
Pay special attention to packing enough vegetables and dairy. Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that vegetables and dairy foods are the two most underconsumed food groups among Australians.
If you’re worried about adding dairy to the lunchbox in the hot weather, opt for harder cheeses such as cheddar, which keep better and pop a frozen ice pack or flavoured milk in the lunchbox to keep it cool until lunchtime.