By Casey Neill
A balanced lunchbox does more than fill your child’s tummy.
Nutritionist Julia Tellidis and baby nutrition consultant Lauren Skora say the right lunchbox fuels learning, play, and big days at school or daycare.
“When kids have enough to eat, and their lunchbox includes a mix of carbohydrates for energy, protein for fullness, and healthy fats for staying power, they’re far better set up to focus, learn and thrive,” they said.
“A balance of these keeps their blood sugar stable, which is incredibly important for concentration and to keep moods in check.
“Everything else – variety, presentation, novelty – is secondary.
“A lunchbox that fuels their body and brain is already doing its job.”
But even with their expertise, the mums were shocked by the pressure of packing lunches every weekday.
“Suddenly, food wasn’t just about nutrition,” they said.
“It was about time, budget, allergen restrictions, comparison, school rules, and whether your child would even touch it.
“We both had moments of standing in the kitchen thinking, ‘Why does this feel so hard?’
“That lived experience is exactly what shaped Lunchbox Bible.”
Their guide to building a balanced lunchbox was due for release on 31 March.
We first spoke to the duo in 2024 following the release of Baby Food Bible, a nutrition-packed guide to feeding not only your baby but your whole family.
Lunchbox Bible features 75 recipes and a visual library with 75 different lunchbox combos.
“Our favourites are the recipes that tick multiple boxes: freezer-friendly, nutritionally balanced, and genuinely enjoyed by both kids and adults,” Julia and Lauren said.
“They’re the ones that reduce mental load, which for parents is everything.
“At home, our granola sprinkles are on constant repeat. We make a double batch for breakfasts, then sprinkle them into lunchboxes as a small bite, almost like a homemade trail mix.
“We’ve also included a simple hack to turn them into granola butter, which is a delicious nut-free alternative for school environments.”
They also favour the pasta muffins.
“Using leftover spaghetti bolognese, you end up with a portable, kid-approved muffin that works beautifully on busy school days, both nutritionally and practically,” they said.
The monster muffins are an evolution of the monster pancakes from Baby Food Bible.
“They are jam-packed with spinach yet always devoured by our kids,” they said.
When Julia and Lauren struggle with low energy or chaotic days, they lean on simplicity:
“A straightforward sandwich or wrap, like a chia jam sandwich, paired with fruit and veg, cheese and crackers, and one reliable ‘always-eaten’ snack, such as our mookie (chickpea cookie) or choc beany balls (both of which are always stocked in our freezer). “It’s nothing fancy, but it gets eaten almost every time, and that’s the win.”
But they’re not immune to their kids bringing home an untouched lunchbox.
“It’s completely normal,” the mums said.
“Appetite can vary hugely from day to day, and things like time to eat, excitement, and classroom distractions play a big role.
“We try not to react to a single day. Instead, we look for patterns over time, talk with our kids about what worked and what didn’t, and adjust gently.
“One full lunchbox doesn’t mean failure; it’s just feedback.
“In fact, my daughter came home from her first day in a new class this week with her lunchbox almost untouched.
“She was so excited and distracted but absolutely starving once she got home.
“We re-offered the lunchbox after school, and she happily ate most of it.
“And remember: lunch is just one meal. If it’s not all eaten, that’s okay; breakfast and dinner are still part of the bigger picture.”
Julia and Lauren have also encountered the inevitable lunchbox comparison and envy.
“We talk with our kids about how every family packs different foods, and that food isn’t a competition,” they said.
“We focus on how their lunch helps them feel full, energised and ready to learn, rather than what others have.
“We also involve them in choosing what goes in their lunchbox within healthy boundaries.
“When they help pick it, they feel proud of it.
“And honestly, kids notice novelty more than nutrition, so a fun dip, a homemade muffin, or a favourite fruit can feel just as exciting as packaged snacks.”
Julia and Lauren’s top advice to lunchbox-packing parents is to win the week on the weekend.
“Spending even 15 minutes getting ahead can completely change how lunchboxes feel,” they said.
“That might mean washing and cutting fruit and veg as soon as you get home from the shop, or making one or two freezer-friendly snacks.
“Those small pockets of prep take the pressure off weekday mornings, and suddenly lunchboxes feel doable, not daunting.”
