There are a few things we can always count on as parents. Screen-time rules become more like ‘guidelines’. A final drink of water is demanded just as the lights go off at bedtime. And a sandwich we’ve put love and effort into during the morning school rush will make its way back to us at the end of the day, uneaten. If this is your daily battle, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
Recent research found that sandwiches are the most uneaten food item in children’s lunchboxes, with 50 per cent of parents surveyed stating their kids tend to leave sandwiches uneaten. That’s a lot of sammies filling school bins… or worse, the bottom of backpacks.
We want to make this the year of making delicious, nutritious and, most importantly, easy school lunches, that will actually be eaten! Is this an impossible task?
As it turns out, it’s easier than you might think. The extensive Macro range is full of options that are going to increase the ‘eatability’ of school lunches this year. We’ve put together some lunchbox ideas for a little inspo… No dry sandwiches in sight.
Star of the show
The ideal lunchbox contains carbohydrates for brain power, protein for satiety and satisfaction, fibre for feelings of fullness and healthy digestion, and, of course, some ‘fun’ snacks for variety. Make sure your child’s lunchbox ticks all the boxes to keep tummies full and brains powered throughout the afternoon.
Chicken tender wrap
Spread your favourite wrap or tortilla with a dollop of mayonnaise. Stack with lettuce, pre-cooked and cooled Macro Free Range Crumbed Chicken Breast Tenders and salad vegetables of choice. We love grated carrots and sliced cucumber! Top with grated cheese, then wrap up tight and add to the lunchbox. Hot tip: Add a cooler ice pack to keep it chilled until lunchtime.
Lunchbox pasta salad
Pre-cook Macro Organic Pasta Spirals, and combine with spring onion, tomatoes, salami, capsicum, spinach and corn. Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, and mustard, and fold through the pasta. Portion into mini containers and keep chilled until lunchtime. (Find this original recipe on on New Zealand’s Women Weekly Food.
Coconut chia pudding
The evening before, combine one can of Macro Organic Coconut Milk with five tablespoons of Macro Black Chia Seeds. Add a tablespoon each of honey and vanilla essence, and mix all with a fork. Refrigerate overnight and in the morning portion into containers, and top with yoghurt, berries and/or sliced banana. Hot tip: Topping with frozen berries, like Macro Organic Frozen Mixed Berries, will help keep the pudding cool throughout the morning.
Tomato pasta bake
Combine pre-cooked Macro Organic Pasta Spirals with Macro Organic Passata, and stir through pre-roasted and shredded chicken. Grate in vegetables for fibre – we love courgette and carrot – top with grated cheese and bake. This pasta bake is easily portioned out for lunches throughout the week.
Get Snackin’
Children burn through A LOT of energy throughout the school day. Snacks are vitally important to keep them fuelled, so we’ve rustled up some of our nutritious and delicious faves, listed in order of prep time required. That’s because sometimes we have time and energy to prep homemade snack options, and sometimes we need something straight out of the pantry before running out the door.
Hot tip: Get the kids to help prep snacks on the weekend and they’ll be more excited to discover them in their lunchbox during the week!
Roasted carrot hummus
Prep time: 30 minutes
This is a delicious and fibre-filled dip to prepare on the weekend and portion into small lunchbox containers throughout the week. Roughly chop then roast two large carrots, before blending with Macro Organic Chickpeas, spices, tahini, garlic and lemon. This dip goes beautifully with Macro multigrain rice cakes. (Find this original recipe on New Zealand’s Women Weekly Food
Eggs and tomato sauce
Prep time: 10 minutes
Hard-boiled eggs are packed with protein and good fats to support young brains. We like to boil a batch of Macro Free Range Eggs on the weekend and place them in lunchboxes throughout the week, with a small container of tomato sauce for dipping.
Macro Lentil Bites Cruzin Carrot
Prep time: > 2 minutes
If you’re one of the 63% of parents throwing together a lunch in 10 minutes or less in the morning, it’s important to have some nutritious packaged snack options on hand. A nutritious (but still ultra-convenient) alternative to oil-and-salt-laden potato chips, these Macro Cruzin’ Carrot Lentil Bites have a four health star rating and are made from chickpea and lentil flour, as well as 5% carrot. The ingredient list is low, and the delicious factor is high.
Macro Mini Multigrain Cakes: Vegan Dark Chocolate
Prep time: > 2 minutes
We’re big fans of lunch dessert and let’s face it, something sweet in the lunchbox is sure to get eaten. These Macro Mini Multigrain Rice Cakes are gluten-free, dairy-free coated in vegan chocolate. Place one or two in a lunchbox with fruit like grapes and sliced apples.
Looking for more school lunch inspiration? Browse the extensive Macro range on the Woolworths website.
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