Do you have school kids and are constantly thinking of ideas for a healthy lunchbox? New Life Nutrition Dietitian Bronwyn Beamish will help you build a balanced stress-free lunchbox.
Your child’s lunch does not have to be a gourmet meal to keep things interesting. It simply needs variety to help your child focus in the classroom and give them energy to play at break-times. It is the parent/carer’s role to provide children with enough food for the day. It is the child’s job to decide how much they eat.
To give your child variety in their lunchbox, try including all five food groups:
- Grains and cereals
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Dairy and alternatives
- Meat and alternatives
- An extra serve from the five food groups as a snack (optional)
What does this look like?
(Choose one food item* from each food group)
*Food items may contain more than one food group
What else to include in their school bag?
Keep your child’s food cool by placing an ice brick in the lunchbox and use an insulated lunch bag. Children are vulnerable to food poisoning. By keeping their food cool, it will reduce the possibility of food poisoning.
It is also important that children drink water often to stay hydrated. Remember to pack a water bottle for your child to drink throughout the day.
For more information about the five food groups and the recommended serves for your child, click here.
If you are worried about your child’s eating, growth, nutrient levels, or tummy troubles, make an appointment with one of the New Life Nutrition Dietitians located at Top Health Doctors.
Call your nearest Top Health Doctors clinic for more information or have a chat with your doctor at your next appointment.
