• The sandwich base:
  Try to make things interesting by using various kinds of bread ranging from whole-wheat, ciabatta, multigrain or seed loaf (instead of the traditional boring white bread). Your children need fibre and wholegrain is the best option. Breads should also be low GI – to keep them going until the next break. Alternatively, try whole-wheat rolls, wraps or mini pita breads. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes, or toothpicks through the middle with fruit slices skewered on top for something different!
• Tooty Fruity:
  Fruit is a must-have in any lunchbox. Fruit skewer sticks are a great idea – thread fruit chunks onto the stick in alternating colours – attach a ribbon for extra surprise! Include small portions of dried fruit such as raisins, prunes, apricots, nuts or trail mix for a quick snack option. Small decorated containers of fruit such as grapes, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, cubed melon and banana with a low fat yogurt can also be a hit!
• Tasty Toppings:
  While peanut butter and/or jar cheese fillings will always be the quicker option, they can become boring and may not always provide the necessary dietary requirements. Create healthy fillings by using leftover chicken, roast beef, tuna, or shredded vegetables. Try these pairings: roast chicken or low fat bacon with avocado, tuna and a bit of low fat mayo and chives, turkey, tomato and cucumber, mashed up egg with low fat mayonnaise. You might even try packing dinner leftovers with a new twist. For example, if you have pasta the night before - make your child a pasta salad with chopped up vegetables, lean chicken and some plain yoghurt.
• Time to Veg Out:
  Dice or chop celery sticks, carrots, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Include fun dipping sauces of hummus, low fat mayo or tzatziki.
• Treats to Eat:
  All kids love a treat of some sort in their lunchbox – instead of sweets and chocolates opt for a bran muffin, oat or granola cookie, unbuttered popcorn, health bar or cubes of cheese also make yummy snack alternatives.
• Water baby:
  Sufficient fluid is vital in preventing dehydration through the day - water is the best option. As fruit juices usually contain more than the daily requirement of fruit servings, if fruit juice is given – opt for unsweetened and mix half water half juice. Milk can also be a good source of dairy for the day, add a little bit of cocoa and a teeny bit of sugar with vanilla, instead of artificial chocolate milk. Avoid giving sugary or fizzy beverages and instead pack low fat drinking yogurt, a homemade fruit smoothie or bottled water.

The loving touch:
Remember that the lunchbox is more than just a vehicle for foodstuffs – it is a piece of home away from home. Your child should look forward to opening his or her lunchbox, and a great way to make it more enjoyable is to add a special touch – include a joke, a funny picture, or a post it note with lots of kisses!

A note regarding picky eaters:
For some kids, no amount of jazzing up lunches will make them try something new. Fussy eaters may need some extra, natural support. There are many herbs in nature known to help support healthy appetites. Kiddie Florish contains ingredients chosen specifically known for their effectiveness in promoting healthy constitutions in children and to help promote a healthy appetite and regulate energy levels throughout the day.