Five top tips to navigate the school lunchbox

1. Try include foods from the five food groups.

• Vegetables. Add salad on sandwiches, cut up veg sticks with hummus or tomato salsa, potato salad.
• Fruit. Save yourself the prep time and try easy to eat fruit like blueberries, strawberries or chopped up watermelon.
• Grain foods. This can include wholegrain bread, pasta, corn thins or pita pocket.
• Dairy and alternatives. Add in a tub of yoghurt, cheese and crackers.
• Lean meat and alternatives. Pack in some protein with either chicken, tinned tuna, boiled egg, baked beans.

2. Get children involved in packing their lunchbox.

• Children who are involved in choosing or preparing foods for their lunchbox are more likely to eat what’s inside. Encourage your child the night before to assist with packing some of their lunch.
• Choose a fun lunchbox recipe to make together on the weekend. Check out some Life Education Queensland recipes here or scroll down further to see some of our recommended recipes below.
• Give children some choice of what to pack. Ask your child, “What vegetable would you like for Brain Break today?” or “Would you like a pasta salad or sandwich?”.

• One of our favourites at Life Education Queensland, ants on a log is another easy snack recipe from Nutrition Australia. Visit their website to get the recipe here.
• A recipe that can be a fun family cooking event on the weekend, the sweet potato and cheese muffins from Healthier. Happier. are a delicious savoury snack. Get the ingredients for the recipe here.
• This rainbow pasta salad recipe from Healthier. Happier. is a great vegetarian lunch or snack option. You can check out the recipe here.
• Ticking boxes for three out of the five food groups, this fruit salad parfait recipe from the Cancer Council is a tasty snack or breakfast option. Get the recipe here.