Can you believe it's already July? I don't know about you, but I'm still in a bit of denial that my little one is starting nursery in September. It only feels like five minutes ago I was bringing her home from the hospital as a newborn- time flies, doesn't it? With the start of the school year just around the corner, I've been thinking about how our routine is about to change and what kinds of things we'll need to do for a smooth and successful transition into nursery. And packed lunches is one thing I've been researching; here are some fantastic lunchbox ideas that are not only easy to make but also packed with all the good stuff to keep that energy up throughout the day. A simple sandwich is great, but here's if you want to do something a bit different.
Mini Veggie Wraps
Take a tortilla wrap and spread some cream cheese or hummus on it. Add a colorful mix of veggies like thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and spinach. Roll it up, slice it into bite-sized pieces, and voila! You've got yourself a nutritious finger food that's perfect for tiny hands.
Cheesy Quinoa Bites
Mix cooked quinoa, grated cheese, finely chopped veggies (broccoli works wonders here), and a beaten egg. Form them into bite-sized balls and bake until golden and crispy. These types of finger foods were great for the weaning days but are just as good as part of a healthy packed lunch now too.
Savoury Flapjack
We all know and love sweet flapjacks, but have you ever considered exploring the savory side? It's a game-changer for lunchboxes and snack time, with a fantastic combination of wholesome ingredients, satisfying textures, and a hint of savory goodness. Mix oats and butter with tasty grated cheese and herbs like chives or paprika. You can add extra nutrition boosters like flax, chia or pumpkin seeds too. Bake in the oven and cut into finger sized pieces, it will last all week in the fridge.
Mini Pizzas
Whip up a batch of mini pizza using pitta breads as the base, a squirt of barbecue sauce or ketchup and cheese, then your child's favorite toppings. Cook in the airfryer or under the grill and cut into quarters. They're a fun twist on traditional pizza, plus, they're great for getting in some veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Another alternative is to use puff pastry, add the sauce, cheese and toppings and then roll up. Cut into pieces and bake for a delicious savoury lunch.
When it comes to these kinds of things, preparation is key. Spend some time on Sunday afternoons prepping a few of these lunchbox ideas in advance, that way, you'll have everything ready to grab and pack in the morning rush. Let's start the school year off right with nutritious and delicious meals that our kids will love. Here's to a successful start to the nursery year!
