Let’s normalise good-for-you school lunches! The kinds that don’t take much time to make but are playful and delicious enough to delight even the fussiest eaters.

Smart nutrition suggests you use the three essential macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats as a guide to ensure that you cover all bases while providing a variety of foods.

A child’s lunch box should include protein because it helps them stay full and satisfied. Protein-rich foods also offer iron, magnesium, B vitamin supplements, and other essential nutrients. Reggae Jammin has a variety of protein-rich products that are both good for kids and fun to eat.

A brain and body energy source, carbohydrates are critical for maintaining energy levels. Whole-grain carbohydrates are higher in fibre than refined carbohydrates, thus sustaining energy levels. Multigrain bread, wraps, and pasta contain whole-grain carbohydrates.

Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and beans are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, all of which help prevent disease. Legumes are good for young children because they provide iron, zinc, and protein. Small vegetable dishes such as cherry tomatoes and carrot sticks are a great option.

Water is lost through normal bodily processes, such as breathing, sweating, and digestion, so your child must rehydrate by drinking water. Every day, include a bottle of water in your child’s lunch box. A frozen bottle of water, which will melt into a cool drink, will keep their food cold if you put it in their lunch box.

Try these recipes to add to your lunch box routine to help your child stay ahead of the class.

Reggae Jammin Chicken Frankfurter Fried Rice

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

3 Reggae Jammin Chicken Frankfurters

3 cups cooked white rice

2 eggs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Method:

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté Reggae Jammin Frankfurters for one minute and set aside. Add eggs to the saucepan and scramble until 3/4 cooked and set aside. Add rice, soy sauce and oyster sauce to the pan. Mix thoroughly, adding peas and carrots, eggs, and frankfurters. Toss until evenly combined. Continue sautéing for an additional three minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Reggae Jammin Pigs in a Blanket

Serves: 3

Ingredients:

1 sheet crescent rolls or puff pastry

1 pack Reggae Jammin Chicken Frankfurters

1 egg

1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

On a lightly floured surface unroll crescent rolls and cut where perforated. Cut each triangle into three smaller triangles.

Cut Reggae Jammin Frankfurters into one-inch pieces.

Place each piece on the thick side of the triangle and gently roll to the other side

Place on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

Editor’s Note

Win! Win! Win!

Back to School Rules! Win a Reggae Jammin Hamper to add vibes to school lunches.

Here’s how you can win.

Read the article carefully and answer the following question:

NAME ANY TWO REGGAE JAMMIN PRODUCTS.

The first, correct answer received @ whyten@jamaicaobserver.com will be gifted with the Reggae Jammin hamper.

And The Winner Is!!!!

Osbourne Furniture administration/accounting officer and Thursday Food reader Tameka Edwards (left) is all smiles as she accepts her Jamaica Broilers hamper chock-full of goodies, courtesy of Reggae Jammin from Lackesha Pitter, brand manager, Hamilton’s Smokehouse. Edwards’s correct response to the question: Name any 2 Reggae Jammin products, was the first e-mail received.