how to pack a healthy lunchbox

WATCH: Lunchbox lifesaver tips for busy parents

It’s back to school time, so let’s talk lunchboxes! Here are my top tips for getting the lunchbox balance right:

Include a frozen water bottle - an essential to keep little bodies hydrated all year round.
Pack the rainbow - think about a piece of fruit that's easy to eat, like a banana, or chop some fruit up and place it in a small container (kids are more likely to eat fruit when it’s chopped up!) Carrot sticks or little qukes with a dip like hummus or tzatziki are fun finger foods for the kids to enjoy.
Try a zebra sandwich - if your kids are a little hesitant on the wholegrains, try one slice white, one slice wholemeal to ease them in.
Include a calcium rich snack like a tub of yoghurt, cheese & wholegrain crackers or a savoury muffin or frittata.
Make it fun! Variety is the key, and don’t give up if lunch comes home uneaten. It can take over 10 times of offering a child a food before they accept.
Choose one day of the week where your child can choose a ‘sometimes’ food to add to their lunchbox. This helps children understand the difference between everyday foods and sometimes foods and will help you get the balance right.