Back to school > Recipes

Lunch boxes should be filled with a variety of interesting foods that will tempt your child to eat, boost your kid's brain-power and sustain your child's energy throughout the day. As lunch at school is also a social occasion, it's a good idea to throw in a few extra treats that can be shared.

10 Lunch box tips

1. Fresh fruit is best. Dried fruits and dried fruit bars are high in sugar, low in fibre and it can stick to children's teeth causing tooth decay.
2. Not sure how to work in veggies? Try vegetable sticks with dip, or a small container with mixed vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, peas and cucumber.
3. Remember to avoid soggy sandwiches and vary the fillings - peanut butter, cheese (try different types), tuna, egg, sliced cold meats, baked beans, grated carrot and lettuce are all great.
4. Try making your own muffins and cakes - a great way to include more fruit and vegetables.
5. Choose an insulated lunch box or one with a freezer pack, or include a wrapped frozen water bottle to keep the lunch box cool.
6. Prepare lunches the night before and store in the fridge or freezer.
7. Get your child a funky lunch box. Peer pressure may be the reason why your child's lunch box remains unopened in their school bag.
8. Follow proper food preparation methods. This is especially important when food will be stored in the lunch box for many hours before eating.
9. Try and pack a different lunch every day. Vary the shapes and size and types of bread.
10. It is important to keep offering healthy lunch box choices in a variety of ways, as children learn to eat what is familiar to them.

Banana Chocolate-Chip Mini Muffins [1]
Apricot Squares [2]
Peanut Butter Balls [3]
Unbeatable Banana Bread [4]
Pumpkin Spice Muffins [5]
Olympic Gold Medal Cookies [6]