Tired of packing the same lunchboxes? Here are 5 Tips to make them fun!

Are you tired of opening up your kid's school bag to find those same sarmies you prepared three days prior? Beat the old routine and add a touch of excitement during lunchtime by considering our five tips to transform your lunch-packing experience into an enjoyable adventure. 

Say goodbye to the lunchtime blues and get ready to infuse creativity, variety, and a touch of delight into your child's daily meals.

1 - Simple Hacks

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It all starts with the power of prepping! Keep these tips in mind when preparing your child's daily meals.

• Opt for Freezable Bags

Swap traditional cold packs for lunch bags filled with freezable gel. These bags eliminate the need to search for cold packs and ensure consistent temperature control for the entire lunch. Conveniently foldable for easy storage, they freeze overnight and function like a mobile fridge by morning.

• Preheat Your Thermos

Enhance the heat retention of your thermos by preheating it. Pour boiling water into the thermos, let it sit for a few minutes, and then empty it before adding your hot food. This simple step ensures longer-lasting warmth for your meals.

• Clever Compartment Division with Cupcake Liners

For additional compartmentalisation, use silicone muffin cups or regular paper cupcake liners in bento-style lunch boxes. These simple additions help keep different food items neatly separated.

• Kiwi Packing Trick

Make kiwi great again! - and mess-free by slicing it in half and packing it with a spoon. This fun method allows your child to scoop out the delicious centre easily. Find more tips on packing kiwi fruit for lunch.

• Say Goodbye to Soggy Sandwiches:

Prevent sandwich bread from getting soggy by applying a thin layer of peanut butter on both sides before adding jelly. A similar approach works with butter under mayo or mustard. When including lettuce, position it between the meat and cheese to avoid sogginess.

• Revitalise Apple Slices with Orange Juice Soak:

Keep apple slices crisp and flavorful by soaking them in a mixture of lemon juice and orange juice. This tangy alternative not only adds taste but also prevents browning.

• Banana Opening Made Easy:

Simplify the process of opening bananas for little hands by making a small slit at the top. This trick facilitates accessibility without compromising the freshness of the fruit.

2 - Diversify with Healthy Alternatives

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Getting colourful and creative with your kid's lunchbox is a fantastic way to enhance nutrition and introduce a variety of flavours and nutrients to your meals. Here are some tips to achieve a well-rounded and nutritious lunchbox.

• Colourful Fruits and Vegetables

Add fruits and vegetables to ensure a diverse range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For flavour and visual appeal, include options like berries, sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks.

• Whole Grains

Opt for whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates. Choose whole-grain bread, wraps, or brown rice to increase fibre content, promoting better digestion and sustaining energy throughout the day.

• Lean Proteins

Include lean protein sources such as grilled chicken, turkey, tofu, or legumes. Proteins are essential for muscle repair, and they help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

• Healthy Fats

Incorporate sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and seeds. These fats are vital for brain function and overall well-being.

• Dairy or Dairy Alternatives

Include a source of calcium, like low-fat yoghurt, cheese, or fortified plant-based alternatives, to support bone health.

• Hydration

Stay hydrated by including water or herbal teas in your lunchbox. Limit sugary drinks and opt for refreshing, low-calorie beverages to maintain proper hydration levels.

• Snack Smart

Choose nutritious snacks like Greek yoghurt, hummus with veggie sticks, or a handful of nuts. Avoid sugary snacks and choose options that provide sustained energy without causing energy crashes.

• Homemade Treats

Prepare homemade treats using wholesome ingredients. This way, you can control the sugar and nutrient content, ensuring a healthier indulgence.

• Variety is Key

Keep things interesting by varying your lunch options regularly. This not only prevents monotony but also exposes you to a broader range of nutrients.

• Mindful Portions

Be mindful of portion sizes to maintain a balanced and controlled intake of calories. Packing appropriate portions helps prevent overeating and promotes mindful eating habits.

3 - Set Up a Lunch-Packing Station

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Establishing a designated lunchbox packing station offers many benefits for time efficiency, consistency, customisation, and variety in meal preparation. It encourages healthier food choices through pre-portioning and organisation, promoting a balanced diet. Additionally, involving your kids in the process becomes more manageable, encouraging a sense of responsibility and participation. 

Establish a Meal Schedule

Establishing a meal schedule is essential for maintaining a healthy kid's lunchbox. Consider their daily routine (are they big into sports? Do they have to stay at aftercare?) and plan regular meals. Plan and prepare meals in advance to make healthy choices more accessible and keep your kids in the loop! If you cook a little extra mince or chicken the night before, you can use it in wrap fillers for lunch boxes. 

Power Sammies

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Ideal fillings that can be easily made include.

• Chicken blended with a touch of mayonnaise or cream cheese
• Spreads like peanut butter (if permitted), Vegemite, honey, or jam
• Cold cuts such as ham, roast beef, or turkey
• Mashed or finely chopped egg combined with a hint of mayonnaise

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