Brain food: THINK INSIDE THE BOX!

The beginning of the school year may have been delayed for some due to gathering storm clouds, but children are now busy tucking into their tucker between lessons. However, this can create a headache for parents looking to give their little ones the nutrients they need to feed their active minds.

Carmel Ireland from 5+ A Day asserts that health and wellbeing are priorities when preparing lunchboxes.

“At the start of term one, summer fruit – such as nectarines, apricots, peaches and plums – are delicious and good value,” she says. “Other great options include cherry tomatoes and carrot sticks with hummus.”

Although the days of lockdowns are (hopefully!) behind us, Covid and other illnesses can still result in children having to take time o school. For this reason, foods high in immunity- boosting vitamins and minerals are more important inclusions than ever.

AUTUMN BECKONS…

Heading into autumn, it may become a little more di cult with regards to choosing fresh fruit and vegetables, but there are always new season options from which to choose either for main meals or to top up lunchboxes.

“Breakfast is a great time to add a serving of fruit to your routine. A mix of pears and feijoa simmered with spices and a tablespoon of honey is a vitamin-packed topping for yoghurt or porridge,” Ms Ireland adds. “And while it’s easy to pop whole apples and persimmons into lunchboxes, try cutting them into bite-sized pieces for younger tamariki. Remember to sprinkle the apples with lime juice to stop them browning.”

The following seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables are ideal for school lunchboxes:

 Term One: summer fruit (nectarines, apricots, peaches and plums), passionfruit

 Term Two: apples, pears/ nashi, feijoas, satsuma mandarins, persimmons

 Term Three: kiwifruit, carrots, tamarillos, navel oranges, broccoli, kumara

 Term Four: avocados, tangelos, strawberries, tomatoes, berries, cherries

For further seasonal suggestions, recipes and more, visit www.5aday.co.nz