A huge thanks to my giveaway sponsors this week. You can still enter my other two giveaways this week here and here. I’ve left my favourite giveaway to last: win a school term’s worth of nudie juice. Would be a great head start to term 3!
Sponsored by nudie (S1 post)
I paused at the juice popper aisle in the supermarket, looking for juice to include for a picnic. I stood there for a while, scanning the rows, looking for a product with 100% juice. Like juice-juice; made from fruit and not from concentrate. Juice is one of those things that I’m particular about buying. It just has to be real fruit juice otherwise it doesn’t make sense!
Then there’s nudie juice: I’ve known about the nudie brand for a while – and the kids love it – but it had gone off my radar, I think because the packs of juice (6 pack) are kept in the cold section (at Woolworths). Plus, I didn’t realise the juice can keep in the cupboard for 9 months and so I’m excited about that and want to raise awareness about why nudie juice is great.
nudie juice
Here are some key things I’ve learned about nudie juice:
- It is nothing but 100% fruit juice (NOT from concentrate)
- It has NO added sugar
- It has NO added preservatives, flavours or artificial colours
- It contains 2 serves of fruit in every pack (1 serve can count towards a child’s RDI of fruit according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines)
- It is found in the chilled section at Woolworths (but can also last up to nine months in your cupboard…so it is definitely worth stocking up on!)
- There are 4 delicious flavours to choose from:
- nothing but 2.6* oranges
- nothing but 2.5* apples
- nothing but tropical juice
- nothing but apple & blackcurrant juice
*on average, give or take a few
- Both the apple and orange flavours are made using 100% Australian fruit
More info here.
There’s also a fun learning opportunity for kids here too and nudie have fun colouring in pages children can download and enjoy.
Download here.
In the lunch box
Recently I wrote about our family food values, and one of the things I’ve been working on is making more food from scratch (so I know exactly what has gone into the food) and learning about what is in the packaged food I buy. The quality of some food items (like juice) is more important to me than others.
When it comes to the lunch box, I see it as a great opportunity to pack in nutritious food. I don’t always buy juice for the lunch box; it’s about balance and I like whole fruit too. However, when I do include juice, the kids love it: on sport days or just to mix things up. Plus I find juice is quick and easy for those stages when kids are so busy, and sometimes find it hard to get through everything in the lunch box.I had to include here that my kids think the nudie straws are fantastic! They are fun because they extend. Check it out (click below to play).
Below are some recent lunch boxes I made for my kids. The key to building great lunchboxes is to think about how to utilise food in three sections: Freezer, fridge and pantry. I make as much as I can beforehand and freeze. So for example food items like, zucchini fritters, zucchini slice, quiche, scrolls, muffins, slices and fruit balls can all be made ahead of time and then it’s as easy this on a school morning:
- Freezer: Pull out food items directly from freezer
- Fridge: Include fresh items (like vegetables; can cut up the night before)
- Pantry: Anything extra from pantry (like crackers/juice)
Done. Lunchboxes I’m happy with (and the kids too!).
Zucchini Fritters & Salad
Crackers
Cherry Tomato
kids nudie nothing but tropical juice
Apple Muffin
Avocado
Strawberries
kids nudie nothing but 2.6* oranges
Boiled Egg
Raw Carrot Ball
Carrot Stickskids
nudie nothing but 2.5 appl
Zucchini Fritter & Ham Sandwich
Cheese & Cherry Tomato
Crackers
kids nothing but apple & blackcurrant juice
************************************
Winning. Happy all round.
Giveaway
**Giveaway ended. Congratulation Melissa Virtue**
A huge thanks to nudie, I’m giving away a school term’s supply of kids nudie juice (96 units). All you need to do answer this question in the comments below:
How do you select what you include in your kids’ lunchbox?
Terms & Conditions:
1. You must be an Australian resident and over 18 years old to enter
2. You must provide a valid email address and entries are limited to one per household
3. Giveaway period is from 9:00 am AEST on 27 June 2014 to close at 9:00 pm AEST on 4 July 2014.
4. Prize includes a ‘term’s supply’ of kids nudie juice (96 units)
5. The winner will be contacted by email within 48 hours of the competition closing and announced on this blog post.
6. The winner must contact me via reply email within 72 hours or the prize will be re-drawn.
7. The winner agrees to have their contact details passed on to the appropriate promotion agency or brand representative who will send out/organise the prizes directly.
8. Entries will be judged on merit and creativity.
90 Comments
Karen
June 30, 2014 at 8:05 pmThree very different kids, a school teacher Dad with high standards for lunches, and a Mum who makes the lunches after being awake all night working. Lunches are tricky in our house one child doesnt like fruit so crunch and sip is celery, carrot or sultanas for him. Their sandwich preferences are plain, so I try to add some extras to make the lunch boxes more interesting and cater to Mr Sensory Disorders need for noise and texture while he eats. Homemade baking with muffins and slice with hidden fruit and vegies, fresh popped popcorn for recess and a treat from the treat box one day a week. Canteen lunch is once a week, they use their own money for canteen treats. All while Mum tries to make sure after being awake all night it all goes in the correct lunch boxes and I don’t fall asleep while I make them.
Melissa Brown
June 30, 2014 at 10:41 pmI try to think of their lunchbox choices as a bit of a see saw. A balance of things that excite them with things that I know are great for them. Real success for me comes when I’m able to combine those two things together.
Jennifer
June 30, 2014 at 11:47 pmHomemade muffins are great, i put veggies in them. Sometimes I make a sandwich with multigrain bread. I try to include protein, dairy, veggies, fruits and carbs 🙂
elisha
July 1, 2014 at 10:13 amsome home made beef jerky also seems to go well in the lunch boxes
Tamara Lamb
July 1, 2014 at 2:51 pmHomemade banana muffins! My kids love them! Oh and a treat of kabana occasionally 😀
Alisha Hannah
July 1, 2014 at 3:56 pmI try to choose things that my daughter will like and eat, but also things that I can “hide” goodness in. I want her to have a variety so she can experience different foods & tastes, and I like to know she is getting all the nutrients she needs during the day! And if she eats her lunches during the week, there might be a little treat waiting on Friday 🙂
Natalie
July 1, 2014 at 8:40 pmLunch always contains some carbs, a protein, some veggies, fruits and dairy. However everyday of the week consists of a different “cuisine”. Her week would consist of things such as sushi, turkish bread another, pasta, muffins. A diversity of meals is key in making sure that the lunchbox comes home empty!
Leanne White
July 1, 2014 at 8:58 pmAs a teachers assistant I monitor children eating their lunches on a daily basis. This how I know what NOT to put in my children’s lunch-boxes
Sheree Pallis
July 1, 2014 at 10:30 pmA delicious range of homemade dips
Served with sesame seed biscuit strips
Or fruit kebabs, they look divine
The kids’ favourite fruits all in a line
And simple cherry tomatoes and squares of cheese
Are a welcome favourite and certainly please!
Sticks of cucumber, or mini feta pies,
While I ‘BE A FUN MUM’ and give a chocolate surprise,
But usually I select foods with little sugar and whole grains,
Which means kids learn more and have healthy brains!
Kay Gerritsen - Blaney
July 2, 2014 at 11:45 pmI make sure all the “colours” are there, that generally means it’s a balanced meal.
Tess Howard
July 3, 2014 at 10:44 amI get the kids involved and they help pack their lunches. It keeps them engaged as well as allowing us to have conversations around nutrition and what can or can’t be included in lunches. Colourful, natural and healthy are key words and the occasional treat is aligned with sports days and special events.
Linda Courtney
July 3, 2014 at 4:06 pmI try and include a variety of healthy, colour and treat. With two fussy eaters this isn’t always easy.
Jessica Maloney
July 3, 2014 at 4:34 pmBy having a chef for a husband.
Teena Lewis
July 3, 2014 at 4:36 pmThe kids decide what they have for lunch but must have at least 2 fruit items (frozen oranges are a favourite), they love sushi and salads instead of sandwiches and always include a frozen popper!
Rachel Kriss-Newell
July 3, 2014 at 5:03 pmBy asking my children what they would like and then usually putting in the opposite. If they had their way it would be chips, lollies and snacks all the way. To get a productive answer from them and wanting them to have an input into their lunch meals, I threaten them with something they dislike – like tuna sandwiches – and I then get a sensible response. We like to offer a bit of variety so a leftover slice of homemade pizza sometimes finds its way in there, good old cheese and vegie sandwiches, wrap bread with chicken, lettuce and mayo and always a piece of fruit. Having healthier snacks at the school canteen also encourages more healthy lunch box choices as well.
Alicia Bardsley
July 3, 2014 at 6:14 pmA healthy balance. Lots of wholegrains, fruit, vegies and the occasional treat
Maree D
July 3, 2014 at 7:31 pmThe first thing I think of is “what will they eat” then I try to balance it with fruit, a snack and a treat.
Melissa Jones
July 3, 2014 at 7:58 pmMake a menu one week ahead by asking kids what they would like for the lunch. Then make a shopping list and get them to do shopping with me and let them pick up whatever they want. If possible, try to teach them make their own lunch box. Balance of nutrition is very important, so sometimes I give suggestion to my kids when they make their lunch but no push on them.
Aretta Holtman
July 3, 2014 at 8:45 pmWith 2 very active boys – a toddler at daycare and a pre-schooler at kindy, I stick with the 5 food groups AND lots of colour (if in season) – natural coloured foods that is no artificial. With a ‘nude’ lunchbox for both, they can see what they are going to eat before they open the lid.
Staples include:
– cut fruit (watermelon, kiwi, mandarin, grapes are faves at the moment) and a fork of course & for the ride home snack, without fail, a nice whole organic (mini) apple
– I pack some protein whether its gluten free/free range ham or even left over thinly sliced lamb from last night’s dinner (waste not!) – the little one likes a ‘deconstructed’ sandwich while the pre-schooler loves the traditional sandwich so I pack as much protein, cheese and various spreads amongst those two (home made) slices of bread.
– a yoghurt or custard (gluten and preservative free) so little hands can squeeze, eat and toss (that I can’t make on my own!)
– I sneak a surprise vegetable in, usually a small taster, such as a cherry tomato or a stick of carrot, etc, to see whether it grabs their taste buds. Sometimes it comes back, sometimes it doesn’t.
– in the winter months, I pack separately a home made chicken or vegetable soup if necessary when I know the cold protein fix won’t warm their bellies
– and without fail, my every lunch box treat, home made apple or apple blueberry muffin (I mass bake these a month in advance, deep freeze and defrost the night before).
I sneak the Nudie nothing but apples into their drink bottles (because they love it, ask for it and quite frankly, water just doesn’t do it for them!).
I know their tastes will change but I know if I stick to the 5 food groups with colour based on season, availability and their tastes and the lunch boxes come home empty, that tells me I’m on the right track – until they learn to “trade” their lunch with a school mate!
Becky Downey
July 3, 2014 at 9:55 pmMuesli bar, vegemite roll-y, apple, banana!
Abby L
July 3, 2014 at 11:15 pmI always make sure there is variety and it is food they will eat
rowena mccarthy
July 4, 2014 at 3:07 amEven as adults we get a bit tired of the same food so I try to give varieties in my kids lunchboxes anything from sandwiches, wraps, rice cakes, saladas to carrot, all types of fruit and a treat of some sort from a muffin to chocolate to cookies. My kids love looking every morning to see what they have for the day!
Lesley Needham
July 4, 2014 at 8:02 amI have 4 boys with autism. For years their lunchboxes were very bland due to food preference issues. In fact one son only ate white food so his lunch box had a white sandwich, peeled apple and crackers everyday for years. Now all the kids will try new food. Can you imagine what a relief that is. Now I can give them the healthiest foods I can find. Organic fruit, wholemeal salad sandwiches, home baked goodies with no nasty numbers hidden in the ingredients. On special occasions (like birthdays) I will include treats like fresh peeled prawns or smoked salmon. I feel like I’m finally a Supermum. The kids are healthier now that they are getting quality food. 🙂 Occasionally I will also add a love note or attach stickers to make it fun.
Laura Scriven
July 4, 2014 at 8:42 amI make my own lunchbox snack,
Otherwise it’s a salt and sugar attack.
Healthy muffins, pasta salads and fruit,
So their health is beaut!
Judith Fasshauer
July 4, 2014 at 10:03 amI Plan a menu during the weekend with them and that way they know what they are going to eat or if they want somethign different or extra we can have it sorted out
Cheryl McKibbin
July 4, 2014 at 10:08 amMy kids make their own lunches. They have a sandwich, choose a piece of fruit, get a snack of choice, dairy (yoghurt, custard or cheese) and if i have baked they take that as well. I never have problems with them not eating their lunches and try to provide choice. I think having them have some control over what goes into their lunchbox makes a huge difference!
Terri Todd
July 4, 2014 at 10:47 amMy daughter is a fuss pot
every morning it’s the same rot
I don’t like this and I don’t like that
fine here’s some money put it in your hat
juice has to be her favourite thing
something healthy, if I win you’d hear me sing
Krystal Bouquet
July 4, 2014 at 11:39 amA mini version of what I pack for work,
otherwise my kitchen prep would be berserk.
Food that we’ll enjoy and fuel our day,
and fits into our PlanetBox tray.
All natural products with no hidden nasties,
always ensures lunch time is a party.
Deanne winter
July 4, 2014 at 11:46 amI have a very fussy and slow eater so I keep things simple and easy to eat. I put in one thing she has to eat and a piece of fruit and then have a basket of snacks that she can choose from herself. Generally come home with everything eaten now!
Sammi
July 4, 2014 at 11:56 amHomemade trail mix (popcorn, pretzels,sultanas), homemade apple & cinnamon chips, sandwich or diced salad, fruit, yoghurt and sometimes a treat homemade jamdrops or muffins.
Rachel Parkinson
July 4, 2014 at 12:04 pmI simply choose food that she loves that’s also healthy and I try to make it fun, I know it will all get eaten!
Melissa Virtue
July 4, 2014 at 12:08 pmGetting them to be a part of the choices and also making some of the foods together on the weekend like muffins, muesli bars or cookies. Try to give them healthy fresh foods with no sugars, preservatives and salts etc lots of reading of labels at the supermarket, always a piece of fresh fruit or vegies like carrots with humus, but also letting them have a “not so healthy” treat a couple of times a week too. Also not putting too much in I think that’s to overwhelming to have too many choices. It’s all about balance and letting them be a part of it all.
Lisa furnival-Monk
July 4, 2014 at 12:14 pmOur lunches are prepared the night before. Usually consisting of the favourite fruit of the week, a yoghurt or cheese and crackers, water bottle, homemade popcorn/muffin/rice snacks. A sand which with favourite filling usually chicken or salad and cheese. We try to mis the lunch box up each time this way it all gets eaten and they enjoy the fairy. For bdays and special occasions the may get a small surprise like a Freddie frog.
Elizabeth Davey
July 4, 2014 at 12:16 pmwhat ever we have is whatever goes in, if they don’t like they starve
Belinda
July 4, 2014 at 12:55 pmI go grocery on a Sunday and I plan a variety of lunch box ideas for the week before I go. I like to make sure my little girl has the variety she craves, not the same old vegemite sandwich I always had when I was little
Michelle Gray
July 4, 2014 at 3:16 pmI would love to say that I careful select lunchbox contents based on their balance of nutrition and ensure all the food groups are represented, but the truth is, it’s based on what’s left in the fridge and cupboard and how close it is to shopping day.
Kirsten W
July 4, 2014 at 6:23 pmI make it interesting, I make it fun,
That’s because I’m A Fun Mum.
All junk food, it gets the boot,
I keep it healthy with some fruit.
Some different colours and different tastes,
Lots more eating and no more waste.
A little bit, from each food group,
Keeps them happy, makes them go whoop!
Liz
July 4, 2014 at 8:26 pmSomething nutritious, something that doesn’t take long to eat because a serious game of hand ball is waiting, nothing artificial, nothing expensive, all natural foods, and everything must be what my son loves. I involve him always.
Michelle
July 4, 2014 at 8:55 pmIt’s a fine balance and combination between giving them what is healthy and what my kids will actually eat.
P
April 22, 2018 at 8:03 pmWhile this juice may be better than others (e.g. no added sugar) it doesn’t appear to have any real nutritional value at all seeing as the pulp and skin are removed. Basically it is just sugar water. 3 teaspoons per juice box. Hardly healthy.