Most parents struggle with trying to balance nutritious choices with what your child will actually eat.

Staying organised by planning ahead and having a variety of fresh, fun and healthy ideas helps make life easier with school lunches.
It’s the best feeling to open that lunchbox at the end of the day and see that your kids love everything that you packed.

Helpful Tips When Packing School Lunches

PLAN AHEAD
Make back to school lunches ahead of time at night and portion off any dried snacks that keep well on Sundays for the rest of the week.

MIX IT UP
Include a variety so your child doesn’t get bored. Switch things up and pair different snacks, fruits, carbs and protein. Leftovers like muffins, pasta salads or chilled sesame noodles are some great choices for school lunch ideas for preschool and high school.

KEEP THINGS FUN WITH SOME DIY “LUNCHABLES”
Allow your child to put together their own DIY pizzas or wraps with dips and sauces to make things interesting. Yogurt, hummus, guacamole and salsa are great for adding flavour to vegetables and fruit.

FOOD SAFETY
Many items will keep at room temperature but be aware of which will require an ice pack to stay cool. Also make sure that you are aware of any peanut or other food restrictions that the school might have in place.

KEEP FOOD SEPARATE WITH A LUNCH BOX WITH DIVIDED COMPARTMENTS
Having a lunchbox with separate compartments will help you remember to include all the components of a balanced meal.

Try these lunchbox ideas

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

• Turkey slices, Swiss and cheddar cheese slices
• Raw almonds (leave out for nut-free version)
• Raw veggies: celery, grape tomatoes, cauliflower and zucchini
• Multigrain crackers
• Apple slices
• Grapes

DIY Lunchables

• Pita or tortilla triangles (use whole-wheat or gluten-free tortillas as needed)
• Plantain/banana chips
• Zucchini or cucumber
• Turkey OR your favourite deli meat
• Apple slices
• Wholegrain mini crackers (use gluten-free crackers or leave out as needed)
• Hummus (OR cream cheese if not dairy-free)
• Fresh berries
• Pumpkin seeds and cranberries

Healthier Egg “Salad” Sandwich

• Avocado egg salad: scrambled eggs mixed with avocado, Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper with multigrain bread or whole-wheat bread – cut into bite-sized portions (mini grilled cheese sandwiches would also be another great option).
• Cooked corn on the cob
• Raw vegetables – sugar snap peas, grape tomatoes, shredded carrots (baby carrots), canned chickpeas
• Homemade Greek yoghurt ranch dip
• Fruit – cubed watermelon

Egg Muffins

• Breakfast egg muffins
• Ranch, celery, broccoli, cucumber, zucchini & cherry tomatoes
• Olives & sun-dried tomatoes
• Strawberries & blueberries

Source: www.lifemadesweeter.com.