Often we think about the kids lunch boxes more than we do ourselves, just grabbing anything that is quick and easy and often not the healthiest choice or finding yourself in the drive thru for convenience. I always start the day with breakfast but it’s through the day when I’m busy or out and about that I find being prepared or having quick & easy ideas on hand, helps me stay on track with a healthy, well balanced day. As I do with my Meal Planning, I also like to plan ahead my lunches for the week so when I am filling in my shopping list I have all the items needed written down before I get to the grocery store.
MY TIP: All the recipes in my Lunch Box Recipes Cookbook are perfect for busy mums who need a quick healthy snack on the go (as well as making great school lunch box fillers).
I eat regularly and I used to get carried away working and then look at the clock at 2pm and realise how hungry I was and that I hadn’t actually eaten since breakfast. So I set up a silent alarm (or you can do it on your phone) on my fitbit at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm so through the day I would feel my wrist buzz from the alarm and eventually get in the habit of knowing when to stop and have a quick bite.
Below are some of my favourite lunch and snack ideas.
Morning Tea
Snacks often consist of a boiled egg, fruit, yoghurt or a homemade muffin.
Fruit and Vegetable Sticks, great for grazing. Image: Found on staraniseorganic
Smoothie – A healthy smoothie is a great option for when you’re in a hurry. The best part about having a smoothie is that you can have it on-the-go.
Mango Macadamia Muffins -These Mango Macadamia Muffins are super delicious and moist with a delightful crunch of macadamia. View my recipe here.
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins – These Choc Chip Zucchini muffins are moist and tasty! Freezer friendly, and make a perfect snack for the kids school lunchboxes. Find my Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins here.
LUNCH IDEAS
Lunch is usually a sandwich, salad, crackers or leftovers from the night before.
Ham & Egg Salad – with crackers. Recipe found on taste
Frittata Bites -I really love my cheese and bacon mini quiche recipe, often making some and freezing for kids school lunch box. This frittata bites recipe would have to be one of my next favourites. I sometimes make these up for lunch over the weekend using up any vegetables or meat that are lingering in the fridge. Find my Frittata Bites Recipe here .
American Club Sandwich. Without the middle slice of bread. Recipe found on woolworths
Nicoise Salad – Recipe found on taste
Greek Salad – I love greek salad (minus the olives). Recipe found on taste
Mason Jar Salad – Now that we are back into spring salads will be my go to lunch option. Mason Jar Salad’s Recipe on blog here.
Melted Cheese Sandwich – Recipe found on taste.com.au.
Crispbread with various toppings – This is a great alternative to using bread, I like to use crisp breads and rice cakes. It’s just like an open sandwich, only crunchy!! Topping ideas here. image credit, food to love
AFTERNOON SNACK IDEAS
Afternoon snacks are mainly veggie sticks, popcorn or something that is light and easy to eat to get me through until dinner.
Popcorn – I love this idea! Popcorn is light and filling, however, there can be a fine line between healthy and not-so-healthy popcorns. Your best bet is to make your own and add as little, or as much butter as you feel necessary.
Bliss Balls – These are well worth the preparation as they are sweet, nutritious and filling all at the same time! If you don’t incorporate much sugar into your child’s lunchbox then this is sure to cure those cravings. Your child will love the thought of having chocolate as a snack, all while being oblivious to the health benefits (Chocolate makes you smarter… doesn’t it?) I have several bliss ball recipes on my blog for those who are keen to try them (warning: they are addictive). Find my chocolate and coconut bliss ball recipe here.
Vegetable sticks and dip – Image found on cookingforbusymums
