Having rice every day for lunch can get a bit boring, so we have some tips as to how you can add some excitement to your meal - and still get your five a day
There’s a lot more to school meals than burgers and hotdogs.Let’s face it, school lunches are not always the most appetising of meals, nor the most healthy. So it’s a good idea, if you can, to make your own. But many students get stuck with one kind of meal, or worse, even one kind of sandwich. So don’t get caught in a rut, here are five ways to spruce up your lunch box:
Leftover luxury
You would be amazed at what you can put between two slices of bread, and what tastes even better the “day after”. If you had curry, especially chicken curry, from the night before, or any other leftover meat, park it between two slices of bread. Go for healthy Roman bread if you can. Top up on fruit with a half cup of blueberries. Add carrot sticks for mid-morning munchies.
Winter warmers
Especially for the cold weather we’re having, you might want to put a warming congee or rice dish in a thermos flask. Arroz caldo, a Filipino rice, chicken and ginger dish is delish, and if you make a big pot of it, the rest of the family can have some too. You can make it ahead and reheat it in the morning before school. Take an apple along and to help meet your five-a-day mark. Take a biscuit or two for mid-morning break.
Dip into a tasty hummus
If you’re the kind of person who likes to linger over lunch, take a dip. Hummus is pretty easy to make and can be paired with fingers of carrot, cucumber and some toasted pita. You can add some cherry tomatoes for tang between bites. Slip in a banana, especially if you have sports after school. It will give you a quick lift of energy and help your body to recover magnesium. Grab a half a cup of your favourite nuts to much on during tea break.
Fiesta in your lunch box
Think Tex Mex and go for a black bean, corn, avocado, tomato, onion salad, soaked in Italian salad oil. A handful of cheeky cilantro, if you like it, will give it maximum boost and if you’re daring you could add a chilli or two. All of this is pretty soft, so for a bit of crunch add a cup of nachos. Make yourself a single sliced pbj (peanut butter and jam) sandwich for tea time and pop in some grapes as your fruit.
No more #sandwichfail
Sandwiches are made to travel, and also to keep your hands clean. But some can fail badly. For instance, egg-mayo can end up a soggy, runny mess. So if you are going to mix anything with mayonnaise, it’s better to keep it separate from the bread or roll until the last minute. That way you’ll never have to deal with #sandwichfail. Tuna is packed with protein, and is lovely once mixed with a bit of pickle, some mayo and a dash of lemon zest. Mix it in a small bowl, and butter your roll before you leave home. Construct at school. Treat yourself to a small chocolate bar for afters. Mix a handful of peanuts and a handful of raisins or cranberries with a few small cubes of cheese for a power snack.