Parents often tell me the meal that gives them the most grief is the school lunch, but relax! Here are a few good alternatives to the boring old sandwich:
Salads – Salads need a good protein portion, such as chicken, tuna, salmon, egg, legumes or seeds (nuts if your school will allow). Chopping or grating the salad finely and mixing in a homemade mayonaise or yoghurt dressing can make it quicker and easier to eat.
Eggs & Frittatas – a hard boiled egg is very easy to eat. Making mini frittatas in muffin moulds, you can add healthy vegies.
Wraps – use alternative wraps such as nori, rice paper or egg based pancakes, or even wrapping a piece of thinly sliced beef, ham, smoked salmon around vegie sticks.
Skewers – there are wooden skewers that are not too sharp, for a few pieces of chopped fruit, or chicken, cucumber, tomatoe etc.
Chicken on a bone – drumsticks, chicken wings, drummettes. A cold chicken piece with a some greens or easy to eat salad vegies. You can prepare them the night before and keep them on the chill to put in a lunchbox.
Vegie sticks with dip – make a good healthy protein based dip eg hommus, guacamole, white beans, yoghurt, to accompany some vegies sticks. Keep the vegie sticks quite small.
I’m always on the lookout for new ideas, so please feel free to share your ideas!
kelvynmccarroll 