Schools and nurseries are back in session for the autumn term. Here are some simple ideas for packed lunches.
Finally, it's time to start planning all the fun things to do for the start of the school year! It is quite common for the school to plan excursions with the class, such as sports days, trips to museums or outings in nature. Most of the time, children need to take a packed lunch with them, and it can be difficult to find simple ideas for a healthy, tasty and practical lunch. Remember that whatever the type of food, from Greek food to Chinese food, you can always find simple variations. Below is some inspiration for what to pack for the kids - even for the pickiest eaters!
Things to consider...
There are a few things to keep in mind about packing food. Firstly, you should pack food that is easy to eat, even without cutlery. You should avoid food that can easily spill and stain clothes, such as soup in food mash. Cold food is preferable to hot food, and also food that is not sensitive to temperature differences. If the child prefers warm food, a food mash can be a good idea. Otherwise, lunch boxes with small compartments work well. For the sake of simplicity, you should be able to pack everything in one box. Freeze the drink the day before and it will stay cold until mealtime. For a healthy and complete packed lunch, pack both food and salad or vegetables, and maybe something tasty for dessert.
5 tips for your lunch box
1. pancakes/American pancakes
Flapjacks or American pancakes are a little more filling and easier to eat with your hands, and are therefore preferable to regular pancakes. A healthy option is banana pancakes. A tip is to pack the pancakes with cut fruit, vegetable sticks and yoghurt (for example drinking yoghurt).
2. Moderate sandwiches or wraps
Chicken, ham, tuna, cheese or similar are excellent for more substantial sandwiches. Use wholemeal bread for a healthier option, and tortilla or flatbread for the wrap. A tip is to cut the sandwich or wrap into smaller pieces and wrap it with vegetable sticks, biscuits/cake and cut fruit.
3. pizza rolls
Simple, delicious and a favourite with children. You can eat them with your hands and they also taste great cold. Perhaps add a healthy smoothie based on yoghurt, fruit and berries to your packed lunch?
4. pasta salad
Super easy to prepare and often appreciated by children. Mix pasta, the child's favourite vegetables, maybe chicken, cheese (for example, mozzarella balls) and you're done! Bean pasta, lentil pasta or wholemeal pasta are preferable for a healthier option. Pasta salad is easy to pack in a box, doesn't make a mess and can withstand temperature differences. We also recommend trying all the delicious vegetarian recipes that exists, so good!
5. Eggs
Eggs can be prepared in many different ways - boiled, fried, scrambled, sandwiches or oven omelettes. All forms of eggs work well in a packed lunch, and can be packed together with vegetable sticks, cheese cubes, biscuits/cake and cut fruit.
With so much focus on food, it can be easy to forget to drink. So here's a reminder!
What food do you usually prepare when it's time for a trip?
Do you have any other simple ideas for packed lunches for class outings or are you looking for more inspiration? Email us at info@heykiddo.se or talk to your nanny!
