How may times (each week) do you open your child’s lunchbox to find that all of the snacks (or “treats”) got eaten, but the sandwich you made the night before is still sitting there, in the same wrap or container, looking like it was completely ignored. Doesn’t look like it was even touched or checked out.

You can always tell when this happens before you even open the lunchbox, right? Your child zooms through the door STARVING…Willing to eat almost anything you put in front of them (except for the aforementioned sandwich – but nice try!).

As a nutritionist, I understand the importance of providing your child with nourishment that will help fuel them through their demanding school day. Their behaviour, their concentration, and their social lives sort of depend on it. A well-fuelled child is a more stable, alert and happy child.

As a Mom, I know first-hand how challenging this could be. As a Mom who happens to be a nutritionist, I have learned some tips and tricks along the way. Tips that will help you pack a lunchbox that will actually get eaten, while nourishing your child and providing them with sustainable energy that will keep them focused, energetic, and balanced throughout their busy day.

I created The Shifted Lunchbox  to ensure that the content of your kids’ lunchboxes was designed to meet the needs of their active minds and bodies. The trick is to do it without them complaining, and without the foods being sent back home at the end of the day. So, how do you do that?

My Top 3 Tips for Packing Lunches That Actually Get Eaten

Let the kids help

There is a greater chance of success if you get your stakeholders to “buy in”.

You are the gatekeeper to “healthy” but your kids will be much more excited about actually eating things they’ve made or have chosen.

Depending on the age of your kids, this can also mean downloading the responsibility of making lunch on your kids to do for themselves. Your responsibility here would lie in making sure that HEALTHY foods are available for the packing and the taking.

Pre-Plan / Prepare Ahead of Time

There is no busier person on earth than a working parent. In my opinion, that means ALL mothers and fathers. If you have kids, you are always working.  With pleasure, right?

Whether it is packing kids’ lunchboxes or just generally trying to maintain a healthier diet, planning and preparing ahead goes a long way.

Some quick tips on planning and prep to ensure a healthier lunchbox-

I find it extremely helpful to get a jump start on the week by preparing some things ahead of time. Make Sunday ‘Prep Day’.

-wash and chop vegetables and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.

-make ahead tuna, salmon or egg salad and keep in container in the fridge.

-make hard boiled eggs to keep in the fridge.

-make a big mixed fruit salad

-Pre-portion snacks in containers or little baggies.

 Create a rotating meal plan

Once you have received your child’s input, create a list of 10 different lunch options and combinations.  This saves so much time because you have your shopping, planning and preparing game plan in place for two full weeks of school lunches.

Sounds easy enough, right?

I know it sounds easier than it sometimes can be.  I want to help you take the stress out of your lunch prep. I want you to spend your time and money wisely.

Please click the image below to sign up for your FREE copy of my e-book “THE SHIFTED LUNCHBOX – A PAREN’T SURVIVAL GUIDE TO LUNCHES THAT ACTUALLY GET EATEN. In it you will get:

• Tips and tricks from a qualified nutritionist
• How to choose foods that represent important nutrient dense food groups
•  2 week sample meal plan and recipes
• A list of my recommendations for healthier packaged snacks to make your life a bit easier.

I have been there. I know how it is. I am also here to tell you that it does get easier as your kids grow older. In my opinion, the habits and values that you help them to create today, will carry them into their teenage years and eventually adulthood. They say patience is a virtue. I say ‘A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Wish’.  To reach your goal and get your wish, download your plan here…

Wishing everyone an absolutely wonderful year xo