It can be tricky getting your kids to eat everything in their lunchbox. A child’s school lunch box should be filled with delicious and nutritious snacks that are easy for little people to handle. According to the National Health Survey, only 6% of Australian kids aged two to 17 years are meeting the guidelines for their recommended serves of both fruit and vegetables. We consulted Woolworths senior nutritionist Natalie Chong for her advice on the best five snacks to pack into your child’s lunch box when school goes back.
“A nutritious lunch box includes each of the five food groups,” says Natalie. “Vegetables, fruit, dairy (or alternatives), grains and protein. Balance is important in a lunch box and as a general guide, a packed lunch should include…”
– Vegetables such as carrot sticks
– 1 piece of fruit
– Dairy (or alternatives) such as milk, yoghurt or cheese (mostly reduced fat)
– Protein such as lean meats, fish, eggs or legumes/beans
– 1-2 serves of grain foods such as a sandwich, wrap, pasta, rice, sushi (try to include whole grains where possible)
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Solanato Tomatoes
“We know our kids need a balanced lunch box and that’s why solanato tomatoes are the perfect addition to make sure your little one is reaching their recommended vegetable serving every day. Another option could be pre-chopping carrot sticks, celery sticks or beans to pop into the lunch box for a healthy and nutritious snack.”
Mini Fruit for Kids
“Kids love mini versions of their favourite fruits and our Fresh Food Kids range of Mini Fruit are available in Mini Pears, Apples and Bananas at Woolies. You could also put the different mini fruits into a bowl and get your little one to pick out what they want for that day to make sure they eat it when the lunch bell rings. “
Flavoured Milk
“The Woolworths Kids Banana flavoured milk has a health star rating: 4.5/5 and 25% less sugar than the average of regular flavoured milks. This has been taste tested by kids and 36 out of 40 kids surveyed by Woolworths said they like this product, so it’s a proven winner too!”
Macro Lentil Bites Pumpkin
These lentil bites are a healthier alternative to regular chips. They are made with Aussie grown lentils, chickpeas and a hint of pumpkin, so there are lots of hidden veggies that your little one will never find out about! You’ll see more and more plant-based products hitting shelves this year, so these are the perfect addition for your kids lunchbox in 2019. Health Star Rating 4.5/5.
Yoghurt Pouch
“A big factor when it comes to lunch boxes is convenience. We know parents want something quick and easy that they can pop into their kids lunchbox, and yoghurt pouches are the perfect solution.”
You might also like:
6 easy ways to make your child’s lunchbox waste-free
12 ways to use bruised, ugly and overripe produce
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