DIY Lunch

Here’s a solution for 2021 back-to-school, back-to-the-office lunch conundrum: five delicious, healthy choices that work for everyone. They’re kid and adult friendly and will have you counting down hours until you get to open the lunch bag

With summer heat still on the rise, it’s time for most of the kids nationwide to leave the pools and beaches and head back into the classrooms. Similarly, many workers are also heading back to a physical workspace. If you’re one of them, excited to sit and work alongside your colleague again but anxious about preparing a healthy snack for your kid heading school. We have you covered.

Here’s a solution for 2021 back-to-school, back-to-the-office lunch conundrum: five delicious, healthy choices that work for everyone. They’re kid and adult friendly and will have you counting down hours until you get to open the lunch bag. Mostly incorporating the traditional hummus, they’re wholesome in every way. Do not forget to grab a small bottle of water to pair with each recipe for a healthy digestion.

Creamy hummus dip with pitta bread and vegetable sticks

This creamy dip is fun to eat and makes a change from sandwiches.

Ingredients

2 heaped tbsp tinned chickpeas

½ lemon juice

1 tbsp low-fat Greek style yogurt

1 tbsp olive oil

¼ tsp paprika (or to taste)

¼ tsp cumin (or to taste)

1 clove of garlic (peeled)

1 large wholemeal pitta bread, cut into strips

1 small carrot, cut into sticks

1 stick of celery, cut into sticks

Method:

Put the chickpeas, lemon juice, yogurt, oil, spices and garlic in a bowl.Using a hand blender, mix together until smooth.

Tip: Make the hummus the previous evening and store in the fridge. As well as saving time, the flavours will have time to develop. Serve with the pitta bread strips and carrot and celery sticks.

Hummus makes a great after-school snack. If you’re using a shop-bought hummus, choose a low-fat version.

Cheesy coleslaw with wholemeal pitta recipe

Crunchy, cheesy coleslaw in a pitta makes a change from traditional sandwiches. Try serving with 5 cherry tomatoes and a small box of raisins.

Ingredients

1 tsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise

1 tbsp low-fat Greek style yogurt

1 thin slice of white cabbage, shredded (to give a handful)

1 small carrot, grated

2 spring onions or a slice of onion, chopped

20g reduced-fat cheddar cheese, finely chopped or grated

Parsley, chopped (optional)

1 large wholemeal pitta bread

Complete your lunchbox with:

5 cherry tomatoes

Small box of raisins

Method:

In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise and yogurt. Now add the vegetables, cheese and, if using, parsley and mix. The coleslaw keeps well in the fridge so make it the previous evening to help with the morning rush!

Carefully split open the pitta bread and fill with the coleslaw. Double the quantities if you have two lunchboxes to prepare.

Hummus and salad wrap recipe

Simple to make and fun to eat. Try serving with cherry tomatoes, and some mixed berries with low-fat Greek style yogurt.

Ingredients

2 tbsp reduced-fat hummus

1 large wholemeal wrap

1 small carrot, grated

Small wedge of lettuce, to give 2 tbsp when shredded

Complete your lunchbox with:

5 cherry tomatoes

2 tbsp frozen mixed berries and 3 tbsp low-fat Greek style yoghurt

150ml fruit juice drink (with no added sugar) or 200ml water

Method:

Spread the hummus over the wrap, then sprinkle on the carrot and lettuce. If you’re using a shop-bought hummus, choose a low-fat version. Or make your own – it’s easy with recipe for creamy hummus dip mentioned above! Fold opposite edges of the wrap, to keep the filling in, then roll up and cut in half. For the snack, pop the frozen fruit in a small pot and it will thaw by lunchtime. The kids will love mixing and swirling their yoghurt into it.

Soft cheese and salad sandwich recipe

A quick and easy sandwich to provide some dairy in your child’s lunchbox. This would work well with an apple and a fruit teacake.

Ingredients

2 thick slices of wholemeal bread

2 tbsp medium-fat soft cheese

3cm piece of cucumber, finely chopped

20g celery (about ⅔ of a stick), finely chopped

Small wedge of lettuce, to give 2 tbsp when shredded

Pinch of black pepper or paprika, optional

Complete your lunchbox with:

An apple

Fruit teacake

Small bottle of water

Method:

Spread both slices of bread with the cheese. Spreading the cheese on both slices of the bread – and patting the salad dry – helps prevent a soggy sandwich! Pat the salad dry and use to fill the sandwich, sprinkling with pepper or paprika if using. Try other salad vegetables, or even some pineapple.