29 Jan

Healthy Lunchbox Recipes

Lunchtime 

It’s back to school time! Our Mental Health and Family Wellbeing Team have put together some healthy lunchbox recipes to get your children excited for the school year.

Anglicare Service Coordinator Alecia Williamson said parents and guardians had a crucial role to play in helping children adjust to the school environment. Lunchtime is an important part of the school day, Alecia provides some tips on how you can make them feel included in the preparation for getting ready for school.

“Let your child help pick their lunchbox and drink bottle if you can. Pick one that is suited to your environment, and insulated in areas where it is hot is always a good idea. Talk to them about what they like for lunch and even consider creating a menu so you can rotate through ideas and they don’t get bored!

“Get them involved in packing their lunches and making their food – it gives them responsibility but they are choosing their lunch so you know they like it.

“When thinking about lunches think about how active they are, are they are a talker, do they get bored easily, do they eat a little or a lot, can they open packets and containers, what stores well?

“They need enough protein and energy to keep going all day so a balanced lunchbox is important, remember to check sugar labels as it’s often higher than you think.

“If you have a busy schedule or mornings/evenings are tough think about what you can make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freeze and defrost.”

Here’s one idea of a healthy lunchbox recipe that’s easy enough for you to make with your child.

Sandwich Sushi Recipe 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you need:

  • 4 slices of bread
  • 1 tub of cream cheese
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 1 tomato

Method:

  1. Place slice of bread on the cutting board
  2. Use the rolling pin to flatten it out
  3. Thickly spread cream cheese over the bread. This is what will make the filling and bread stick together when rolled.
  4. Add cheese, tomato, lettuce and ham to one slice. Encourage your child to choose their toppings. Remind them not to make the filling too thick as this will make it more difficult to roll.
  5. Roll the break up tightly
  6. Cut roll into three and serve on a plate