As the kids start to head back to school, it can often feel overwhelming having to organise everything from school shoes, uniforms, new books- and anything else in between! That’s why we’ve partnered up with Gemma from Gems Wholesome Kitchen to help create the tastiest, and easiest, packed lunches.
On this IGTV session, Gemma shared some really nice top tips and recipe ideas for some great school lunch options. And even better, why not get the kids involved!
You Will Need:
- Tortilla wraps or pittas
- Hummus (without sesame so school friendly)
- Mini rice cakes / bread sticks
- Carrots, peeled and cut into pieces
- Grapes / berries / chopped fruits
- Cheese cut into squares
- Pretzels / popcorn
- Cucumber pieces
- Mini tomatoes
- Sultanas or dried apricots
Important things to consider for your ‘Dream Packed Lunch’:
1) Have you got enough options for the kids to feel full and ready to tackle the rest of the afternoon?
2) Is it easy and simple to make? There’s no need to add more confusion into the school morning madness!
3) Budget – packed lunches don’t need to be expensive to be nutritious and tasty!
4) And last but not least, make it fun & colourful for the kids to enjoy opening and eating their packed lunches!
‘The Picky Picky LunchBox’
This is great for kids who like to graze or often prefer to have lots of little bits of different food. You can create one of these lunch boxes by using a container that is sectioned off into various areas. For example; Gemma has re-used a sushi box that has 3 main compartments to place the lunch into. Alternative options are available on the high-street also and come in various different material options such as stainless steel and plastic.
Creating your own ‘Dream Packed Lunch’
As this lunchbox allows you to include lots of different food options, it often means that some children will prefer some things over another. So this is a great activity to get them involved in as it gives them the support and confidence to try new foods and be responsible for their own packed lunches.
What I like to do is really get them involved and lay all the ingredients out in a bowl on the table and let the kids create the boxes themselves!
– Gemma, Gem’s Wholesome Kitchen –
Carbohydrates – great for keeping them energised for the day!
- Wholewheat pasta with a small dash of olive oil and some white beans
- Mini wraps with avocado and salad
- Quinoa or brown rice are also great alternatives to pasta
Proteins – helping keep them feeling full throughout the afternoon!
- Cooked Chickpeas
- Butterbeans
- Chicken
- Tuna
- Hard boiled eggs (don’t forget to wrap them in film or place in a box so you don’t have that egg smell!)
- Don’t forget, you can also use any leftovers from dinner the night before to help build out the pack lunches, such as the Sunday Roast!
Veggies and Fruit – getting those 5 a day in without them noticing!
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Plum tomatoes
- Carrots
- Cooked Broccoli
- Berries
- Grapes
- Cucumber
- Peeled oranges (so it’s easier for them to snack on the go)
Snacks – some fun options to have to hand whilst also being nutritious!
- Popcorn
- Squares of cheese
- Oatcakes
