Cool kids eat their lunch

A fresh new 2015 is here and so is the first term for schools across the country, so why not start anew by adopting a healthier lifestyle?

Probably the best place to start is to take a look at what your children eat every day. Children are a blessing and so is food, so make time for healthy meals and explain to them the importance of a healthy diet.

Working in a clean and efficient kitchen will make things much easier. Creativity saves you money.

Never start a day without a decent breakfast, as this will give you sustained energy and will leave your appetite satisfied for longer.

Buy light margarine, dried fruits and nuts, banana bread, yogurt with fruit pieces, whole-grain muffins, tortilla wraps, whole-wheat brown bread with a low glycaemic index (GI), fresh organic fruits and vegetables, cream cheese, Bovril, gherkins and tuna. Also get an efficient lunchbox and bottle that doesn’t leak.

Use your creativity and knowledge – try to avoid soft drinks, preserved and processed foods such as various cold meats and baked goods as they contain trans fats that can cause heart and health problems in the long term.

Cut fruit in different funky bite-size shapes; kids tend to eat food that looks attractive.

Try to pack as many fresh fruits and veggies as possible, such as raw grated carrots, sliced cucumber and salads without dressing.

Cook pasta and mix with light mayonnaise, tuna and red, green and yellow peppers the night before and let it cool to make a perfect tuna salad. Pack it in an air-tight container or lunchbox.

Remember the five-a-day fruit and vegetable rule, and make it fun, fresh, funky, refreshing and healthy!