How to Pack a Punch with a Healthy Lunch
· Packed lunches don’t have to be dull, our five healthy lunch ideas are ideal for the whole family, every day of the week
· The healthiest lunches provide a balance of energy-giving carbs, lean protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals
· High-quality, active, healing honey adds flavour and sweetness
It’s September, which officially means back to school, fresh new shoes, school uniforms slightly too big and the dreaded what on earth do you make for lunch each day conundrum? If you’re in charge of the packed lunches in your household, we’ve got you. Whether you’re packing lunch for the little ones, the tweens or the adults, our healthy packed lunch ideas are simple, quick and tasty.
Honey Sandwiches (kid-friendly and adult-friendly versions)
We’re channelling both Winnie the Pooh, who loved honey, and Paddington Bear, who kept his marmalade sandwiches under his hat, with this one.
Super simple: spread peanut butter on one slice of wholemeal bread and drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the top. Close with a second slice, cut into squares (or triangles, we don’t want to start a sandwich shape war) and pack up with slices of apple and red grapes cut in half.
For a more decadent twist (probably best kept for the adults), switch out the peanut butter for slices of brie and drizzle with honey. Use a thick-cut fresh loaf and throw a handful of walnuts into your packed lunch box as an accompaniment.
Hummus and Crunchy Sticks
Pack either a single individual-size pot of hummus or decant from a large tub into a sealable pot. Then pack a selection of raw carrots, peppers, celery and cucumber chopped into sticks (you can do this the night before) alongside some crunchy crackers or oat cakes.
The hummus provides plant-based protein to help you feel energised during the afternoon, and the different coloured raw veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Add a banana and yoghurt for dessert.
Pasta Leftovers
A pasta dish with sauce is a staple midweek dinner in households up and down the country. Stick to veggie sauces and the kids can take leftovers from the fridge for lunch the next day. When you’re measuring out the pasta for dinner, add in a few more handfuls so that you can guarantee there’s extra leftover.
If you’re at work and you have access to a microwave, you can include non-veggie options (just make sure the food is piping hot after reheating). The kids are unlikely to have microwave access at school, but keep it in a cooler bag-style lunchbox, and it’ll be perfect to eat at lunchtime.
DIY Lunchables
Most kids (and plenty of grown-ups) love the idea of a pic’n’mix style lunch. Ready-made boxes such as Lunchables are easy, but they’re also pricey. Invest in some bento-style packed lunch boxes, and fill with your own selection.
A healthy lunch contains mix of carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats and fresh fruits and vegetables. Here’s our ideas for DIY bento-style lunches:
· Slices of cheese
· Slices of ham (or leftovers from Sunday’s roast)
· Mini sausages or cold, cooked sausages chopped up
· (Veggie and vegan options of all of the above are also widely available)
· Slices of cucumber
· Cherry tomatoes
· Cheesy crackers
· Chopped grapes
· A handful of plain cashew nuts
In a separate pot, add a few spoonfuls of plain or Greek yoghurt and add a drizzle of high-quality honey.
Turkey & Salad Wraps
For this one, you can use any sliced meat you prefer, or a veggie/vegan alternative. Choose the highest quality your budget allows to avoid too much salt, or if time allows, prep by roasting a whole chicken or turkey and carve thin slices.
Add the meat to the centre of a wholemeal wrap, add some shredded lettuce, chopped cucumber and a dollop of mayonnaise, then fold the wrap tightly before cutting in half.
Add a small pot of mixed nuts and berries.
Finding High Quality Honey
Of course, we’ve included honey in a couple of these healthy packed lunch ideas. If you’re looking for the perfect, natural, healing honey, look no further than our delicious Jarrah and Marri honeys. Rare and sourced from Western Australia, they’re the real deal, not a sugar-syrup-laden imposter in a squeezy bottle. Give them a go; they won’t disappoint!
If you’ve tried our honeys before and you’re here to buy more, we’d really appreciate a few moments of your time to let us know what you think. Genuine reviews mean the world to us, and we thank you in advance.
