Lunchbox drama? 2 healthy lunch recipes approved by the little experts themselves

Brought to you by SPAR.

Kid tested, kid approved.

We all know the dilemma of putting together your child's lunchbox. You want to give them something healthy to eat but you also want to make sure that they'll actually eat it. It's always a struggle and there's really no stubbornness like an eight-year-old who doesn't want to eat their fruit and veg. Well, we may just have a little something to help you out. SPAR have come out with their Better Choices range, which is there to help everyone, both adults and kids, choose better and healthier options for their meals. SPAR's Better Choices ambassador, model and mum-of-two Claudine Keane, has come up with oodles of tips and recipes to help ease you back into the school year. Here are two of our favourite lunchtime recipes from the list. (Plus, these recipes have all been tasted and given the a-okay by the picky little experts themselves).

1. Banana and Blueberry Muffins 

You will need: 125g porridge oats 125g oat flour (you can make this by blitzing porridge oats in a food processor for 20 seconds.) 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon pinch of salt 2 ripe bananas, mashed (and make sure they're ripe - we want spotty, not green!)  3 tbsp (50ml) coconut oil 3 tbsp (50ml) honey 1 egg 180ml milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 125g blueberries. (Raisins or dried cranberries can also be used but blueberries are our fave. Not to mention, they're a superfood.) 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. 2. Mix together the porridge oats and the oat flour with the baking powder, the cinnamon, and some salt. 3. Add the two mashed bananas and mix with a fork. 4. Whisk together the coconut oil, honey, milk, vanilla extract, and the egg, and add to the other ingredients, making sure everything is mixed well. 5. Gently stir in the blueberries. 6. Divide your mix into muffin cases (it should make about 12). 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes. All the muffins should be nicely browned. 8. Remove, cool, enjoy. These muffins are absolutely DELISH. Cutting out the butter and sugar and switching to oat flour turns these little babies from a guilty pleasure to a healthy treat (so don't forget to nab a few for yourself too!).  

2. No Nut Bars

You will need: 250g porridge oats 80g seed mix 50g dried cranberries (or blueberries if you wish) 1 tbsp linseed 1/2 tsp cinnamon  60g coconut oil 60g honey 2 ripe bananas, mashed (all brown and spotty. Yum!)  1 egg 1. Preheat your oven to 180°. Line a baking tray with baking paper, making sure all the sides are covered. 2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, seeds, cranberries, linseed, and cinnamon, and make a well in the centre. 3. Combine the coconut oil and honey together in a microwavable jug or bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring between each heating, until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. (This step can also be done over the stove by simmering on a medium heat and stirring throughout.) 4. Add the oil and honey mix, the mashed banana, and the egg to the well in the middle of the oat mix and stir until combined. 5. Put the mix into the baking tray and spread it out, making sure it's pressed down. 6. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until firm and golden. 7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing and placing it on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely. 8. Cut into bars (or whatever shape you want) and store in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Lunch sorted for the week! These homemade cereal bars are as yummy as the pre-made ones that you buy (yummier, we think) but without all the added sugar and bad fats. (Bonus tip: if you want to make them look - and taste - extra scrumptious, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate on top.) So there you have it, Mums and Dads, two easy and delicious recipes that will slip very nicely into any kid's (or adult's) lunchbox. And there's plenty more where they came from too - check out SPAR's Better Choices page, where they have all of Claudine Keane's tips and recipes to help you out with school lunches. There's no reason why you should have to choose between a healthy lunch and your child eating enough. With these recipes, the little ones will have their snacks gobbled down in no time. Brought to you by SPAR. The SPAR Better Choices range is highlighted in stores to help you make a better choice, whether for yourself or for your kids.  For tasty lunchbox recipes and tips from the SPAR Better Choices ambassador Claudine Keane, visit their Better Choices web page. The range is approved by dietitian Ellen Roche, a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute.