This week is Healthy Lunchbox Week, an initiative of Nutrition Australia that aims to inspire Australian families to create healthy and enjoyable lunchboxes.
Because children consume around 30% of their daily food intake at school, what children eat at school plays a crucial role in their learning and development.
The Healthy Lunchbox Week website has lots of great resources for –
- healthy lunchbox ideas and recipes
- ensuring balance across core food groups
- awareness of lunchbox food hygiene and safety.
Their top three tips for lunchboxes in 2021 are –
1. Smart swaps – Make the switch from highly processed foods to healthier alternatives. It can be as simple as swapping white bread for wholegrain, chips for popcorn or fruit straps for a carrot. With a bit of planning and simple preparation, buying less processed foods can actually save you money and reduce packaging.
2. Fuel their day – Around a third of children’s daily food intake is consumed at school. Kids who eat well are better fuelled to listen, learn and play. Including food from each of the five food groups will help children meet their nutritional needs and support their long-term health.
3. Safe and simple – No-one wants to eat a hot salad sandwich or a soggy, bruised banana. Keeping food safe and fresh between home and the school playground can have its challenges, especially during a hot Aussie summer. Be sure to keep lunchboxes cool using insulated bags and cool packs. Remember to keep it simple with a healthy snack, a piece of fruit or vegetable and an easy lunch dish. Even leftover’s can be a hit.
More information at the Healthy Lunchbox Week website here. Plus heaps of fun and different lunchbox recipes, all produced by dietitians, at Foost – https://www.foost.com.au/recipes/healthy-lunchboxes/
Go Deeper
For even more information about healthy eating go to the Queensland Government’s NEMO (Nutrition Education Materials Online) web page.
learningconnections.com.au
