A healthy packed lunch should include:
• Meat, fish or a dairy source of protein
• Starchy carbohydrate, such as a wholegrain sandwich, to provide energy
• At least one portion each of a fruit and vegetable or salad
• Water or milk to drink, but diluted fruit juice and yoghurt drinks or smoothies are acceptable
The key foods to avoid are:
• Sweets and chocolate. (Magpies will remove bars of chocolate and sweets from lunchboxes and return them to you)
• Snacks, like crisps, with added salt/sugar/fat
• Sugary and fizzy drinks
• Deep-fried foods and processed meats
• White bread - if children won't eat brown, try whole white sliced bread