HEALTHY EATING

Healthy Eating

Packed Lunches don’t have to be boring and with a little thought and imagination they can be fun, healthy and tasty too.

Just include something from each of the food groups, add a drink and away you go!

The right balance of foods helps growth, concentration and wellbeing.

Please try to AVOID putting the following foods in your child’s lunch box:

Crisps
Jam filled sandwiches/rolls or biscuits
Cereal bars
Pastries
Fried, takeaway or fast food type products

Your child’s lunch box should NOT include:

Fizzy, sweetened or sugary drinks.
Chocolate (including cake, biscuits and yoghurt/desserts), Sweets and confectionery.
Chewing gum
Sugared toffee popcorn
Nuts, including any type of nut spread or chocolate hazelnut spread e.g. Peanut butter, Nutella (or equivalent) or snack bars.

Only put as much food in the lunch box as your child would eat at home. Small portions are better and often less overwhelming!

Please make sure your child’s lunch box and any drink bottles are clearly named.

Staff will supervise the children during the lunch period and will monitor the children’s packed lunch. They will also encourage the children to eat as much of their packed lunch as they can. Any lunch not eaten, as well as the rubbish, will be sent home for parents to check.

If staff have any concerns over a child’s packed lunch including nutritional intake and content, we will speak with the child’s parents that day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to us.

NHS Change 4 Life - Lunchbox Ideas

https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes

Start with the basics – bread, cereals and potatoes. These foods are carbohydrates and give us energy.

Try different types of bread, sliced bread, rolls, pitta breads, tortilla wraps, and bagels…the list goes on!
Go for a variety of breads too – wholemeal, granary, high fibre white, brown or white
Why not try using pasta, rice or potatoes instead of sandwiches…why not a pasta salad!

Add a drink

Drinking water keeps your body healthy.
Fruit juice, preferably diluted.

Do not include fizzy, sweetened or sugary drinks.

Add a tasty filling – meat, fish and alternatives. These foods contain protein for growth and repair. Try to include lean meat, chicken, fish or eggs in the packed lunch.

Egg mayonnaise and cucumber
Chicken and salad
Ham, cheese and tomato
Tuna and sweetcorn
Cottage cheese, grated carrot and apple
Egg and tomato

Remember if you are using a spread, chose a reduced fat one – or do without it completely if you are using a moist filling.

Dairy delights

Try to include some dairy products.

They keep your teeth healthy and your bones strong.

Low fat or natural yoghurt
Small pot of rice pudding
Bite size cheese chunks

Feeling Fruity?

It is important to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day. These foods contain vitamins and minerals which help you stay healthy and fit.

Fresh fruit e.g. apple, grapes, banana, kiwi, melon
Chopped raw vegetables e.g. carrot r cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes or a mixed salad.
Tinned fruit in juice (not syrup) – pop into a small container.