Kiddipedia
The arrival of the cooler months usually means we are looking for comforting snacks to nourish the winter soul. With the wide options available in supermarkets, it can sometimes be overwhelming to know what is actually fuelling our little ones with the right foods. The key is to ensure that there are a variety of options and key nutrients that will keep the children satisfied for the entire day.
We have collated our five ideas to prepare nutritionally balanced lunch boxes for the whole family.
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Brownies make the perfect recess snack
Some of the more ‘unhealthy’ snacks, like mini chocolate bars, sugar-loaded soft drinks, and cakes, often have large ingredient lists containing several additives and preservatives. Though it’s important not to label these as ‘bad foods’, these lunch box items should be incorporated in moderation and refrained from taking up most of the lunch box.
For those time poor and wanting to know what is exactly going into their children’s bellies, Mt. Elephant’s Choc Chunk Wholefood Brownie Mix has the nutritionist tick of approval, as it has been developed in conjunction with Jacqueline Alwill. It only takes five minutes to prepare and is made using real, wholefood ingredients, including buckwheat flour, Australian hemp seeds, chickpea flour and dark chocolate chips. It’s the perfect gooey treat that can put a smile on faces of chocolate-loving children everywhere.
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Add colour to the lunchbox with nutrients that will keep your child energised and alert.
Be sure to include key proteins that will help your little ones feel energised for the entire day, and healthy fats (namely monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) are excellent for heart health and will help them feel fuller for longer.
Some good sources of protein for winter lunch boxes include grilled chicken sandwiches or tuna and rice crackers for adventurous eaters. A delicious chickpea and lentil stew is also perfect for a cold winter’s day and can be meal prepped ahead of time and placed in a thermos. Some healthy fats to incorporate could also be something as simple as mashed up avocado, cottage cheese or grated cheddar cheese, which also adds a mighty pack of flavour.
Some other fun micronutrient-rich foods such as gherkins, kraut, and olives, in conjunction with some vegetables like cherry tomatoes, carrots, and capsicum, can also be put together to make a vibrant, colourful and delicious grazing platter to brighten any lunchbox on a dark winter’s day.
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Don’t forget that carbohydrates can be a welcome addition to keeping your kids feeling satiated!
Preparing a whole grain sandwich or wrap with some leftover protein, low-starch leafy green vegetables like baby spinach, rocket, and cucumber, and topped with a flavourful healthy fat like avocado or hummus, can be a delicious and fuss-free lunch box option for families constantly up and on the go. For those who have a little more time, some delicious sourdough or a few slices of Mt. Elephant Protein bread can also be used as the perfect bases for delicious mini pizzas that can be topped with virtually anything your child might fancy. Both options make a wonderful, wholesome lunch that will sure keep tummies happy and satisfied!
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Banana bread or cookies freeze perfectly too, meaning you can make them in bulk.
Buying healthy also doesn’t have to mean difficult! A warm homemade banana bread slice makes a wonderful winter treat for morning tea, and Mt. Elephant’s Banana Oat Superfood Cookie mix also makes a comforting afternoon snack, tasting just as delicious as they smell when they come out of the oven. When shopping, remember to shop for a diverse range of healthy foods as possible, as this will help to make lunch boxes fun and interesting. The plus side to this too is that you’ll be able to freeze the remaining parts (if there are any!) for the future.
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Go on, try something new and different for the afternoon!
For something a little bit sweeter, why not try Mt. Elephant’s choc latest chunk wholefood blondie mix? Using almond flour, Australian hemp seeds, chickpea flour and dark chocolate chips, this naturally gluten-free, preservative and GMO free, and vegan-friendly snack will make a quick and easy lunch box filler for children (and adults) alike.
Realising the need for healthy sweet treat options for all parents short on time, Mt. Elephant has partnered with leading nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill to create wholefood baking mixes that are equal parts delicious and nutritious. Their full range of baking mixes is available in the baking aisle at Woolworths stores nationwide. For more information head to www.mtelephant.com.au.
