Wellbeing

Fiona Dandie, Robert Pain & Amy Carter

🥪 Lunchbox Love: How Nutrition Supports Your Child’s Wellbeing

Did you know that your child’s lunch can do more than just fill their tummy?It plays a big part in helping them concentrate, stay energised, and manage their emotions throughout the school day.

✅ What Makes a Balanced, Brain-Food Packed Lunchbox?

A healthy lunchbox doesn’t need to be complicated. Aim for:

Whole grains (wholemeal bread, wraps, crackers, rice or pasta)
Protein (cheese, eggs, lean meat, baked beans, or yoghurt)
Fruit & Veggies (sliced apple, carrot sticks, grapes, cucumber, cherry tomatoes)
A healthy snack (popcorn, rice cakes, homemade muffins)
Water The best drink to keep brains hydrated and focused!

🧠 Food and Mood – What’s the Link?

Foods high in sugar or overly processed can cause energy crashes, leading to tiredness or tricky moods. Nutritious food helps keep blood sugar steady, which in turn helps children stay calm, focused, and ready to learn.

💡 Simple Swaps:

Instead of…	Try This!
Chocolate biscuits	Wholemeal crackers & cheese
Flavoured yoghurt	Natural yoghurt with fruit
Muesli bars	Oat slices made at home
Processed meat	Leftover roast chicken

Here's a great website by the Cancer Council, complete with recipes for healthy swap ideas!

https://healthymadetasty.com.au/healthy-swaps/#

More ideas to help build a brain-fuel lunch box !

❤️ A Little Extra Love

Adding a small touch, like a smiley face on a banana or a short note in their lunchbox, reminds your child you’re thinking of them, even when you’re apart.

Letting your child help pack their lunch can also build independence and healthy eating habits!