How to Pack a Punch with Easy-to-Prep Packed Lunches for Parents on the Run
Are you running out of ideas for what to put in your child's lunchbox? We've looked online for some new lunchbox ideas to try out this autumn.
Summer is drawing to a close and school is back in session. For parents, that means going back to familiar routines - for some of you that means creating packed lunches for your children every day.
Filling a lunchbox with something that your child wants to eat that is also healthy and varied can be surprisingly challenging.
We've rounded up ten recipes that might provide inspiration for parents who are tired of making the same ham and cheese sandwich again and again - maybe these recipes could help you give your child a nice surprise at lunchtime tomorrow?
Carbohydrates
Filling pitta breads with oven-baked vegetables and cheese or meat is a good way to ensure your child gets the amount of vegetables they need during the day, while still containing enough carbohydrates to fill their bellies and give them energy.
Tasty wraps are easy to put together, not too messy to eat, and they are a nice alternative to sandwiches. You can fill wraps with whatever you happen to have in the fridge, or take inspiration from this recipe using chicken, tomato and avocado.
While requiring a bit more work than the average lunch, once you've made a batch of these you can freeze them and use them as and when needed. And, if your child is a pizza fan, we guarantee that they will love discovering one of these in their lunchbox.
Wholemeal Pasta
Pasta is a cheap and easy way to fill a lunchbox, and it's also a food staple that most children need no convincing to eat. Using wholemeal pasta makes the lunch healthier and will keep your child full for longer. Only your imagination limits what you mix it with.
Couscous is incredibly easy to make and provides an excellent base for a healthy lunch. Just add your child's favourite vegetables, cheese or meat. Make the couscous the night before to save time and leave it in the fridge overnight.
Fruits and Vegetables
If your child needs an afternoon snack as well as lunch, why not send with them a small box filled with crunchy vegetables that are easy to snack on? You can throw in a ball of cheese, some ham or some nuts to make the snack even more exciting.
These fruit salad pots are simple enough that your children should be able to help you make them. Buy fruits or berries that are in season from your local supermarket or market, and use the pots as a nice and healthy after-lunch pudding.
When the weather is starting to get colder and your child needs food to warm up, soup is a great alternative to a cold lunch - all you need is a small, child-friendly thermos to keep their favourite soup warm.
If you're looking for a way to get your child to eat more vegetables, spring rolls could be something to try out. While not too advanced for most cooks to master, these rainbow vegetable spring rolls also look amazing, and will taste great in your child's lunch.
Yoghurt is a favourite for many children, but unfortunately many store-bought yoghurts contain a lot of sugar and are more appropriate for pudding than for lunch. However, if you choose the right type, such as a Greek yoghurt with no added sugar, it could be a nice addition to your child's lunch. Add some extra fruit or healthy granola to make it extra special.
