Now that the holidays are well and truly over, the lazy lunches and relaxed dinners of summer break are behind us. With the return to school, many of us are juggling calendars and feeling run ragged trying to get kids to the bus on time while still managing to make our morning commute.
With busy mornings and packed schedules, it can be challenging to prepare a filling breakfast, nutritious packed lunches that won’t fall foul of the lunchbox police, and healthy after-school snacks to keep them from reaching for the biscuit tin at 4 p.m.
Start the Day Right
Despite the relentless marketing and shelf appeal, breakfast cereals are actually a poor choice for kids due to their high sugar content, low nutritional value, and artificial additives. Their highly processed nature can spike blood sugar levels, leading to a mid-morning energy crash.
Why not try:
Bacon and Eggs: A classic bacon and egg breakfast will keep the kids full until lunchtime. Opt for scrambled eggs and our nitrate-free rib-eye bacon for a healthier option.
Oily Fish on Toast: Getting the two recommended portions of oily fish a week is easy when you pop it on toast. Organic smoked salmon, mackerel or sardines on whole grain toast with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of herbs is a nutritious option rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Organic Porridge: Made with organic oats, porridge is a warm, filling choice. Top it with seasonal fruits or a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness.
Smoothies: A great option for busy mornings, a smoothie is filling and packed with protein for energy. Avoid using just fruits, which can be too high in sugars; instead, blend bananas with yogurt or milk and your favourite berries. Adding a handful of porridge oats provides slow-release energy.
Lunch Box Ideas
While we may have survived on a pack of crisps and a panda pop in the '80's, the lunch box rules are pretty strict nowadays. Try these easy-to-make organic lunch ideas packed with essential nutrients your child needs for growth and learning, keeping them full and satisfied until dinner.
Why not try:
Chicken, Avocado, and Hummus Mini Sandwiches: Slices of roasted Eversfield Organic chicken breast with avocado, hummus, and lettuce on whole grain bread, cut into small, bite-sized shapes using a cookie cutter.
Why It’s Good: Roast chicken provides lean protein and iron for energy and focus, while avocado and hummus offer healthy fats for brain function. Whole grain bread adds fibre for sustained energy.
Salmon and Cucumber Pinwheels: Layer slices of Eversfield Organic smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber on a whole wheat tortilla, roll up tightly, and slice into pinwheels.
Why It’s Good: These pinwheels are easy to handle and packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, crucial for brain health.
Chicken and Veg Quesadillas: Grill and chop Eversfield Organic mini chicken fillets, place grated cheddar on one half of a whole wheat tortilla, fold over, and grill until the cheese melts. Cut into wedges and serve with a pot of tomato salsa and sliced red pepper.
Why It’s Good: Chicken is a great source of protein, while the whole wheat tortilla provides fibre. The red pepper is rich in vitamin C and B6, which improve cognitive function.
Mini Meatballs: Combine Eversfield Organic beef and pork mince into mini meatballs, season with herbs, and bake. Serve with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.
Why It’s Good: Beef provides iron and protein essential for developing brains, while pork is a great source of B vitamins for energy.
Ham and Cheese Frittata: Mix organic eggs with a splash of milk and a handful of cheese and Roam & Relish traditional ham bits (sneak in some chopped spinach too if you like) and bake in a muffin tin for a lunch box-sized frittata.
Why It’s Good: Eggs and ham offer a great source of protein to support brain development and keep kids full, while the cheese provides calcium for bone health.
Avoid the After-School Slump
After a long day at school, kids need healthy snacks to refuel and curb the hunger pangs until dinner.
Why not try:
Yoghurt with Fruit: Yoghurts marketed at kids are full of sugar, and in the case of those yoghurt tubes, unnecessary plastic. Plain Greek yoghurt topped with fresh fruit or granola provides protein and fibre to stop them snacking before dinner
Nut Butter and Rice Cakes: With a no-nut lunch box policy, peanut butter may be banned at school, but it's still a great source of slow-release energy when spread on rice cakes. Opt for organic peanut butter with no added sugar.
Bacon and Cheese Muffins: Our nitrate-free bacon is paired with mature cheddar in these savoury muffins are simple to make and are a delicious grab-and-go treat. Find the recipe here.
Homemade Energy Balls: Combine oats, organic nut butter, honey, and chocolate chips, rolling them into balls for quick snacks to keep in the fridge.
Veggie Crisps: This is one for fryer aficionados. Make veggie crisps from sweet potato, beetroot and parsnip. Try this recipe for a healthier alternative.
