So with school starting soon, and being a first time grade 1 mom, I’m sure there are tons of moms like me, wondering “WTF” when to comes to healthy balanced lunchbox ideas to pack for the kids. Keep in mind, I need to pack in a meal for aftercare as well. So with a stack of recipe books to keep me company, pen, paper and colourful tags, time to get cracking…
Note: If your kid is anything like mine, she hates boring food – and also some days, she won’t even touch bread “because she can“. Below is my plan of action to ensure she gets her nutritional and fulfilling fix.
This is just for term 1. With term 2 and 3, the weather will be colder and I’ll need to keep those ideas in mind. Also all my suggestions, especially for aftercare, she doesn’t need to eat it warm.
Just some tips for the menu below:
- Swap white sliced bread for low GI or wholewheat
- Cut fruit and vegetables into fun shapes like hearts etc
- Buy the nut and raisin and fruit dainty strips in bulk at Makro or Pick n Pay
- I find buying yogurt in bulk also saves me alot of money
- Slice up the fruit – that way 1 fruit mixed with 2 other fruits can be spread over 2 – 3 days if packaged in air tight containers
- The after care meals are supper ideas we’ll have just with some improvising or depending on what you made, it’s a great alternative to a sandwich filler.
- Buy microwave popcorn – store in airtight container and you can ensure they take some to school each day – it’s a great alternative to chips.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| At school | Chicken mayo sandwich on brown Low fat smooth yogurt Nut and raisins mini pack Juice Water with mint |
Cheese and salad sandwich on brown Low fat smooth yogurt Fruit dainties pack Juice Water with cucumber |
Beef frikkadels and dip Low fat smooth yogurt Sliced apple Juice Sliced biltong Water with lemon |
Egg and mayo sandwich on brown bread Low fat smooth yogurt Nut and raisins mini pack Juice Water with berry |
Cheese and pressed beef with mayonnaise on brown Low fat smooth yogurt Fruit dainties Juice Water with mint |
| At aftercare | Beef frikkadels and dip Popcorn Banana Water |
Roast chicken drumsticks and salad Fruit in season Water |
Cottage pie and corn in a cup Orange and apple Water |
Beef frikkadels and dip Popcorn Banana Water |
Roast chicken drumsticks and salad Fruit in season Water |
What are your fun recipes? I’d love to hear them.
xoxo