Lunchbox Inspiration

Thinking of healthy and inspiring lunchboxes for kids and adults can be a daily challenge. Coming up with fresh ideas that will actually be eaten is easier said than done, especially if you’re not bowing to the chippie and chocolate demands! And adult lunchboxes don’t need to get stuck in a rut too, so we have put together some simple, fast and tasty ideas to bring new life to the often dreaded lunchbox.

First of all, what makes a healthy lunchbox? A variety of foods from the different food groups to provide a range of nutrients is key. Each lunchbox should ideally contain: fruit, vegetables, protein foods, wholegrains and healthy fats. The exact amount of each depends on the needs of the person eating it – some people need more vegetables and fats in their lunchbox, while active individuals may need more wholegrains to fuel their muscles.

Translating this into real food ideas with a few examples…
Fruit – fruit salad chunks, a pottle of berries, seasonal whole fruit (apple, pear, orange, kiwifruit), or a small bunch of grapes
Vegetables – carrot, celery or capsicum strips, a small salad, vegetables “hidden” in frittata, muffins or wrap, or cherry tomatoes
Protein foods – cold chicken drumstick, pottle of hummus, cheese cubes, pottle of Greek yoghurt or mini quiche (it is a good idea to include an ice slicker pack in the lunchbox to keep these foods safe)
Wholegrains – wholegrain sandwich, pottle of muesli, apple and bran muffin or wholegrain crackers
Healthy fats – bliss ball, avocado, olives, or nut and seed slice

Ensuring there is a good range of foods by choosing from the different food groups above will help you make the ideal base for lunchboxes. Extra options can be included depending on your philosophy to food and nutrition..make it colourful, flavoursome and fresh and it will hopefully get gobbled up happily!

Tea Retreats

Tea Retreats brings you an article on Health and Wellbeing to help you make 2016 your healthiest year yet. Tea Retreats combines the skills and experience of Sarah Percy, Registered Dietitian and Sarah Donaldson, Clinical Psychologist to provide a comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing. The “Tea” in Tea Retreats stands for Think, Eat, Act – we believe a positive mindset, good nutrition and keeping active are 3 crucial areas in our life which are essential for good health. If you need some help getting your health sorted please get in touch, we’d love to help. www.tea-retreats.co.nz