HEALTHY LUNCHBOX IDEAS as
Article by Greta Williams of Nurture Naturally
How many of us have started out the school year with energised intentions of sending a healthy and nutritious lunch that will be the envy of every Pinterester ?
Then a week goes by , our routines get hectic , and the fun ( if there really ever was any ) runs out . Honestly , not everyone has time to create animal shapes and cucumber boats laden with home-grown flax and floating in freshly squeezed goat ’ s milk .
That being said , it is important that we ’ re feeding our kids ( and most importantly their brains ) to the best of our ability for the 4-8 hours that they ’ re away from home .
I always maintain that being prepared is half the battle won . Consider the following tips before you throw in the towel to sugar-laden pink yoghurts and crisps flavoured with MSG and saccharine .
Get the kids involved
Okay , I know I just said we were going to make this simple and this definitely does NOT fall under that category . But even a little involvement places ownership ; and ownership helps ensure that the healthy eats will indeed be eaten . Find some ideas on how to involve them on the extended version of this article on the Little Pages blog .
Extended version of article can be read at www . thelittlepages . co . za / blog
Rethink packaging
In lieu of Barbie Yogurt , maybe let your little one pick out a few quality reusable containers in a favourite color . Use these for snack mix , yogurt , fruit / veggie slices , sandwiches , etc . It will save money in the long run , as prepackaged snacks are super expensive .
Have a back up plan
As in : Really ! Have one ! Keep a few things on hand ALWAYS for those days ( usually mornings after sleepless nights ) when you didn ’ t have time to prepare lunches .
Make lunch at supper & have supper for lunch
When you ’ re chopping veggies for a fresh garden salad at supper , keep aside some veggie slices for lunch the next day . If you ’ re making baked chicken for supper , think ahead for possible left over chicken ideas . chicken either for chicken-mayo sandwich , etc .
Make a calendar
ONE TIME . I know , I know , it ’ s painful ! But it only takes one time and then you have it . You can view my calendar online on the blog - but a custom-made one that suits your child ’ s needs and likes is best . Under it , make a list of items to always have on hand .
free printable on the blog
Download a free calendar template to use to create your own school lunch planner
You don ’ t need to be super creative or grown your own organic garden to be considered a master of the school lunch . A few simple steps and viola ’ ... it becomes a pretty simple daily routine .
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