Healthy Kids Lunchbox Video
Healthy Kids Lunchbox 1 - Kindergarten-aged Children
Kindy kids can be slow eaters and may want to play more than eat so it is important to pack a lunchbox that is not too big, can be eaten easily and packs in a lot of nutrition.
- Water bottle – frozen, this helps keep their lunch cold and safe from any harmful bacteria
- Mini banana muffin - (see 'lunchbox recipes' for the recipe)
- Yoghurt 110g (reduced fat) – add some dairy to the lunchbox. Don’t forget a spoon!!
- Wholemeal vegemite sandwich – cut into triangles to make it easy to eat and maybe cut off some crusts.
- Cherry tomatoes and green beans – colourful vegetables in bite sized serves add interest
- Small bag of grapes – sweet, juicy and delicious!!
Healthy Kids Lunchbox 2 - Mid Years (Litter-free lunchbox)
What does litter free mean? With the amount of packaging around today and all of the environmental concerns, why not try to use reusable containers to transport foods rather than use plastic wrap and bags.
- Bottle of frozen water - as the water defrosts throughout the day your child will have a cool drink to quench their thirst
- Cereal bites
- Banana (small) – good for young kids because they are sweet, soft and easy to eat and come in their own packaging
- Chicken drumstick with fried rice (see 'lunchbox recipes' for the fried rice recipe) – last night’s leftovers are perfect lunchbox options, offering something different to the traditional sandwich – keep it cold!
- Small plastic container of Custard (reduced fat) – the Australia Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents encourages children over 2 years old to consume reduced fat dairy products. Don’t forget a spoon!!
Healthy Kids Lunchbox 3 - Mid Years
- Frozen water bottle – providing a bottle that is refillable means that your child can continue to drink water throughout the day by filling it up at the tap or water fountain
- Tub of Two Fruits – when fresh fruit is not available then canned fruit is a good alternative. Try to choose one that is in “natural juice” or has no added sugar.
- Frozen milk (UHT) – UHT shelf-stable milk is great as it has a longer shelf life and can be kept in the pantry for when it is needed
- Salad (tomato, beans, chickpeas, cucumber, boiled egg, cheese chunks) – add vegetables in season
- Lebanese bread - bread is a good basis for lunch as it is a great source of energy, B vitamins and fibre
Healthy Kids Lunchbox 4 - Older Primary
- Frozen water – use for the Crunch&Sip® break in class
- Mini quiche (see 'lunchbox recipes' for the recipe)
- Melon & strawberries – choose fruits in season and cut into chunks
- Wholegrain chicken, lettuce, cucumber, carrot and mayonnaise roll - why not try different varieties of bread such as wholemeal, multigrain, rolls, knots, torpedoes, seeded bread, rye, pita pockets, focaccia or lavash breads
- Yoghurt (110g) (Reduced Fat) – dairy foods are a good way to get calcium. Don't forget the spoon!
Healthy Kids Lunchbox 5 - Older Primary
Active, fast growing older school children need more foods to give them energy throughout the day.
- Frozen water bottle – water is the best drink choice
- Wheat crackers
- Apple – easy to eat, just pick, wash and eat it!! They are also great because they are crunchy, crisp, sweet and juicy and available most of the year. Check with your grocer which apples are in season.
- Lebanese Bread with falafel (see 'lunchbox recipes' for the recipe), lettuce, tomato, hommus – flat bread doesn’t get as soggy as sliced bread
- Mandarin – are sweet, juicy, easy to peel and break into segments
- Flavoured Milk (UHT) – why not try plain or soy milk
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