Posts tagged Healthy

School lunch boxes in the UK have come in for a bit of stick lately, with research showing that virtually none of the lunch boxes reviewed were deemed healthy and a massive 50% contained no fruit or veg.

Well, there are quick and easy ways to add fruit and veg to the lunch box.   The easiest way of course is to ensure there is a banana, apple or tangerine in the box everyday.   Also try and stick to the principle of adding some salad or grated veg (or fruit) to every sandwich.   Here are a few simple suggestions for lunches to keep you going for a week.

1. Sandwich of hummous and grated carrot, preferably made with wholemeal bread.   A handful of raisins (or one of the little packets you can buy) make a nice dessert, or could even be added to the sandwich.

2. A tortilla wrap.   Spread home-made or tinned refried beans on the wrap, put a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce and tinned sweetcorn down the middle of the wrap and fold.   On the side, cut a stick of celery in half, make a filling by mixing cream cheese with chopped chives and capers and spread the filling into the hollow in the celery.

3. Pitta bread filled with falafel (home-made or bought), topped with a little mayonnaise or hummous, shredded round lettuce and watercress.   Muesli bars make good sweet treats, but read the ingredients and seek out bars without added sugar.

4. Sandwich of cream cheese, grated apple and grapes.   Make a dessert by grilling a chopped banana spread with a little honey.   Mix in some raisins and pop in a tub.

5. Baguette with cheddar cheese and coleslaw.   A dessert of carrot cake or a banana muffin is a great way to sneak in an extra portion of fruit or veg!  Making a batch of your own ensures they’re healthy and can be stored in the freezer until needed.