Healthy eating hacks for back to school lunches

Packing a healthy, appealing lunch for your child can be a daily challenge. But with a few clever hacks, you can make nutritious and delicious lunches that your kids will love. Scroll down to learn more.

1. Plan ahead

Planning lunches for the week can save you time and stress. Make a list of meals and snacks, and do your food shopping based on this plan. This can help ensure you have all the ingredients you need and prevent last-minute lunch packing dilemmas.

2. Include a variety of foods

A balanced lunch should include a variety of food groups. Aim to pack fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Variety not only ensures a range of nutrients but also keeps lunches interesting for your child.

3. Use fun and colourful containers

Kids are more likely to eat their lunch if it looks appealing! Use fun, colourful containers and bento boxes to make their meal visually interesting. You can even use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches and fruits into fun shapes.

4. Get the kids involved

Let your children help with packing their lunch. They are more likely to eat what they’ve helped prepare. Give them choices between healthy options, so they feel involved in the decision-making process.

5. Sneak in veggies

Incorporating vegetables into your child’s lunch can be tricky, but there are plenty of creative ways to do it. Add grated carrots or spinach to sandwiches, or make vegetable-packed muffins or smoothies. Hummus and veggie sticks are also a fun and nutritious option.

6. Prepare snacks in advance

Pre-pack snacks for the week, such as sliced fruits, veggies, cheese sticks, or homemade granola bars. Having these ready to go can make lunch packing quicker and ensure you always have healthy options on hand.

7. Hydrate with water

Skip sugary drinks and pack a reusable water bottle instead. Staying hydrated is important for your child’s health and concentration. You can add a slice of lemon or some berries to the water for a natural flavour boost.

8. Balance treats with nutrition

It’s okay to include a small treat in your child’s lunch, but balance it with nutritious foods. A small chocolate bar or a homemade baked treat can be a nice addition, as long as the rest of the lunch is healthy.

With these hacks, you can make packing school lunches less of a chore and more of a fun activity that promotes healthy eating habits. Happy packing!