July 13, 2016 Carrie Rossouw

5 Creative School Lunch Ideas to Boost Brainpower!

Are you struggling to come up with healthy, creative school lunch ideas for your kids? Want to know which foods help boost brainpower and which ones can harm their concentration? We’ve got the perfect tips and healthy snack ideas to keep them alert, focused, and full of nutrition. Here are our top picks for fun and brain-boosting school lunches!

1. Protein for the Pros: Cheesy Fruit Kebabs

Studies show that children who eat lean protein during the day tend to stay sharp and focused in the classroom. Protein is essential ‘brain food’ to keep the brain in tip-top working order. Try adding lean protein like shaved chicken or tuna to your child’s lunchbox. If your kids are picky eaters, you can also offer lean hard cheese cubes with apple pieces – a winning combination of flavour and nutrition! For a fun twist, thread fruit cubes and cheese onto a child-safe kebab stick (or use twine for older kids to avoid sharp sticks). Call them ‘cheesy fruit necklaces’ for the girls, and ‘cheesy fruit chains’ for the boys – they’ll love it!

2. Shape Their Minds Too: Rainbow Animal Bread

Who says bread has to be boring? Opt for wholewheat bread (or better yet, bake your own rainbow bread using natural food colouring). Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes – animal shapes are perfect for sparking curiosity and can lead to evening discussions about the animals. For older kids, try experimenting with different bread types like wheat-free rye or seed breads, and even brown rice cakes for unique textures and flavours. A little tip: Rice cakes can go soggy, so pack the filling separately for them to add at school.

3. Dip into the Unknown: Veggie 'Claws'

Getting kids to eat vegetables can be tricky, but turning them into a fun snack can make all the difference! Try making veggie ‘claws’ using carrot and cucumber sticks. Peel the skin off and taper the ends into points (like a pencil). These veggie ‘claws’ are great for dipping into hummus, plain yoghurt, or even a simple boiled egg and low-fat mayo dip. Experiment with different dips to see which ones your child likes best. These veggie snacks will be a hit among their friends too!

4. Brain Booster – Brown Rice Surprise

Brown rice is a great low-GI food that can help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. On nights when you cook brown rice for dinner, keep some aside for a quick and nutritious lunch the next day. Turn it into a cold rice salad by adding chopped tomatoes, corn, beans, or any leftovers from the previous evening’s dinner. Pack a separate container of dressing (if your child prefers a low-fat option). You can even add a mild curry flavour to the rice for a twist, depending on how well your child handles new flavours.

5. The Good Sweet Treat: Banana Torpedo

When your child asks for a sweet treat in their lunchbox, reach for a healthier alternative that won’t spike their blood sugar. Excess sugar can lead to hyperactivity, concentration issues, and even a crash that leaves your child feeling tired and lethargic. Instead, go for natural sugars combined with low-GI foods. Spread no-sugar peanut butter on a toasted wholewheat wrap, sprinkle with raisins, and drizzle a little natural honey or agave syrup. Place a whole banana at the edge of the wrap, then roll it up into a ‘banana torpedo.’ This energy-packed snack is perfect for active days with after-school sports or activities.

For better concentration and focus, consider natural remedies like BrightSpark or Focus & Calm – highly recommended to support your child's brainpower!

Healthy school lunches can be fun, nutritious, and brain-boosting. Keep experimenting with different combinations to find what works best for your child’s tastes and needs.

Featured products:

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!

Filed in: brain boosting lunches, creative school lunch ideas

Previous article Best Tissue Salts for Anxiety And Stress