As Kids Head Back to School, A Leading Dietitian Helps Aussie Parents Crack the Lunchbox Code

With the new school year fast approaching, Aussie parents across the country are once again facing the challenge of creating lunches that look good, taste good, are healthy and won’t come home uneaten. 
 
According to a leading dietitian, what children eat during their day at school plays a crucial role in their learning and development. With children consuming around 30% of their daily food
intake at school [1], it’s no wonder the school lunch box can cause anxiety for parents
 
Messy Monkey’s dietitian Ali Baldwin says that while it can be a challenging task, cracking the lunchbox code is possible.

“It is possible to give children a healthy, balanced lunch that tastes great, is fun to eat, is good for them and won’t all come home uneaten,” Ms Baldwin says.

For parents, whole grains should be a top priority, with whole grain intake in Australia currently sitting below recommendations in all age groups, with almost 75% of Australians not eating enough whole grains[2].

“Whole Grains are a great source of energy and can be a valuable source of fibre and vitamins and minerals. Wholegrain can also help provide steady fuel for the body and mind to help performance in class and outdoors,” says Messy Monkeys Dietitian, Ali Baldwin.

Ms Baldwin has shared key tips for a balanced lunchbox which includes:

• Go for whole grain – whole grains are a source of energy and a valuable source of fibre and vitamins and minerals providing steady fuel for the body and mind to help performance in class and outdoors.
• When it comes to fruit & veggies, go for different colours & shapes – this makes them fun and means children are more likely to eat them.
• Add some protein – it helps keep children fuller for longer during the school day.
• Include a fun snack – packaged snacks are ok to include in children’s lunchboxes,
it’s just important to think about the type and portion size of the snack

Messy Monkeys range of lunchbox friendly snacks are perfectly portioned for children and are a source of whole grain, are low in sugar with no artificial colours or flavours and have a Health Star Rating of 4.

These Aussie made gluten-free snacks provide wholesome fun for any child’s lunchbox.

Messy Monkeys Wholegrain Bites Burger has just been announced as the winner in the Snacks (kid friendly) category in the 2024 Healthy Food Guide Lunchbox Awards Australia. Judged by a team of dietitian’s, these awards recognise “the most nutritious and delicious items that deserve a place in Aussie lunch boxes.”