This is the first post in my new “100 Days of Real Food Tips” series. Enjoy!
Think Beyond the Sandwich Bread…
- Pinwheels (pictured)
Rolled up whole-wheat tortillas filled with:
-
- Cream cheese*, thin cucumber slices, and dill
- Goat cheese* and roasted red bell peppers (sold as pimentos)
- Peanut butter* and banana slices
- Sunflower butter* and all-fruit spread (similar to jelly)
- Egg salad
- Hummus, cheese, and grated carrots
*Easiest to spread when the tortilla is warm…don’t forget the fun toothpicks!
- Apple Sandwiches (pictured)
I got this idea from Williams-Sonoma and all you have to do is slice the apple*, cut out the core with a small round cookie cutter, knife or corer, and fill with:
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- Peanut or sunflower butter
- Raisins
- Raw rolled oats (optional)
*Can also squirt apple with a little lemon juice so it doesn’t turn brown
Top with all the usual sandwich fillings or use two crackers to make little sandwiches.
- Whole-Wheat Waffles, Banana Bread or Biscuits
Any of these options would be a fun stand-in for the typical sandwich bread. The waffles and banana bread would be especially delicious with some plain or flavored cream cheese in the middle.
- Whole-Grain Muffins
Forget a sandwich all together and send in some homemade whole-wheat muffins – like zucchini (pictured) or blueberry – in place of bread. Most muffins can be made in advance and pulled out of the freezer the night before school.
Other Lunch Ideas…
- Whole-Wheat Non-Deep Fried Donuts (pictured at top)
When I brought home a little plug-in donut maker (similar to a waffle maker) from Target my husband said, “Oh great, another appliance to find room for.” But my children devour these little donuts and feel like they’re getting an extra special “treat” so I think it was well worth the purchase. You can also make an extra big batch of these mini-donuts and freeze the extras for later. If you buy one try this recipe for 28 donuts: 1 cup whole-wheat flour, 3 tsp baking powder, 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 4 tablespoons oil (I used coconut oil).
- Fruit Kabobs
Whole-Wheat Pizza Toast
Incorporate fruit and cheese that you know your child likes as well as one new item. Everything is more fun on a stick!
- Whole-Wheat Pizza Toast
This is much faster than making regular pizza from scratch and just as delicious. Simply top regular whole-wheat sandwich bread with sauce and cheese then pop it in the toaster oven….and voila!
- Warm Lunch in Thermos
A Thermos is a great way to switch things up when it comes to packing lunch. Try soups, oatmeal, brown rice or whole-grain pasta dishes, and leftover dinners.
- Homemade Freezie Pops or “Gogurts” (pictured)
Homemade Smoothie Pops
I’ve been talking about these reusable freezie pop holders for a while now, but I love them so much I just couldn’t leave them off the list. I fill them with everything from smoothies to plain yogurt mixed with homemade berry sauce to store-bought applesauce and then stick them in the freezer. They are usually semi-frozen by the time my daughter eats lunch at school and she devours them every time!
If you have any other fun lunch ideas you’d like to share please leave them in the comments below.
Hi, I have a mini donut pan (room for 6 donuts). Any idea how long to bake them with your donut recipe and what temp?
Also, the donuts pictured look like they possibly have like a cinnamon topping or something? Or is that just my eyes? :)
Any chance I could get the correct link to the donut maker from #6? I know my kids would love this idea and so do I! The link in this article brings me to a generic Target page. I searched the Target site but no luck. Thanks! Skye
Your donut dough made extremely yummy waffles. I added a good dash of cinnamon and upped the syrup (actually I used honey). Froze then did cream cheese and dried apricot sandwiches. Thx for the inspiration
Here ya go : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NUV0T4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003NUV0T4&linkCode=as2&tag=shop100drf-20&linkId=FZTDP5SZTGCWR5N5
What brand of fruit spread do you use or would you recommend? I can’t seem to find one without sugar and am open to suggestions. The best I can find is the Smuckers all natural.
Hi Caroline. Crofters brand has a good selection. If you can’t find it in stores, you can find it online. :)
They have one made with just fruit juices. I think it is smackers. Read the label. There are several on the same shelf made with only juices.
Trader joes has a great selection of jellys with no added sugar
Hi,
I made the blueberry scones…My first item from this website. My 15 year liked it. I added more honey then I liked it. Any comments on the apple sandwiches? I wanted to know if any teenagers may have liked it or just kids in general…never heard of sunflower butter…on a mission to find it
My 16 year old loves the Apple sandwiches minus the raisins. Not a raisin fan
Thank you, I’ve tried that, but he still complains about it not being warm enough!
Your kid lunch ideas are great! I also pack lunches for myself and my husband regularly. I often take leftovers that I can heat, but that’s not possible for my husband who is always on the road. He’s also not thrilled when I pack things in a thermos because he says they’re luke warm at best by the time he gets to them. I’d love some other ideas for him other than sandwiches. Unfortunately, muffins, cold pizzas and cheese and crackers don’t really cut it for my husband who is constantly on the go!
Trying filling your husbands thermos with boiling hot water before adding his lunch to it. This way your container is hot before adding the food. It works for me every time .
We are about to try making our own veggie sushi at home for my dd’s lunches. We’ll let you know how it works out but since she already loves sushi I figured the next logical step is to try it at home in hopes that it can become a regular. I am using a youtube video to guide me but it looks pretty straightforward (famous last words……)
Here’s a donut recipe I use in the donut maker:
1 cup protein powder (vanilla)
1 cup of baking mix–the gluten free
1 egg
1 cup almond milk (can use reg)
1 cup apple sauce–unsweetened
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking powder
Chocolate chips
Mix together and chill in the refrig and then use.
We make “pizza skewers”. We save a little extra sliced sausage from pizza or sauce, and alternate sausage, fresh mozzarella cheese balls, and little tomatoes on the skewer. Then I make small breadsticks (just use your pizza dough recipe, brush tops with a little olive oil, garlic & Parm cheese, and bake). It’s one of the kids favorite lunches, and they like helping to assemble too! :)
Hello! I love your website, how beautiful! I know I have a lot to look at, here, that should be very helpful to me and the family! God bless you all.
I believe in the all natural route, although, I don’t practice what I preach, all of the time. I love your pinwheel ideas, the Kids really enjoy that, here, too. You may have mentioned this, but our Kids love it when I serve them fruits and/or vegetables in a rainbow fashion. I love hummus, too and celery also goes wonderfully with it.
My Son is very stubborn and will only eat raw carrots, for a veggie, these days! He used to eat everything, but now, he’s almost 10 and “set in his ways,” heehee. Any suggestions? My Kids seem to see/smell/sense any suspicious additions to food, that I may add, but he loves things made w/ tomatoes, including salsa, even though all the veggies are apparent.
Hi there. Yeah, kids can be pretty quirky about food. These picky eater posts might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/19/winning-over-your-picky-eater/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/09/real-food-tips-12-ways-to-deal-with-a-picky-eater/. ~Amy
By which I mean a donut maker
Got one of these for my niece for Christmas, but I didn’t have the great recipe you provided!
I just purchased the freeze pop molds and filled them with a yogurt smoothie, excited to surprise the kids with those in their lunch. I found it tricky to fill them without spilling everywhere. Any tips? Do they totally defrost by lunch time or they still sort of thick like a smoothie?
Hello Franki. This is all you ever wanted to know about using freezing pop molds: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/. :) ~Amy
Lovely blog! We make Dal ( lentil soup) quite often. So, mixed with white or brown rice, they are perfect for thermos lunch boxes. I am also try the new Lunch Bot hot cases. They are ok in terms of temperature maintenance, but my child I think likes the wide mouth much better. Better connection to the meal, than diving in dark in the other thermoses.
Was reading all these Wonderful ideas. I saw the post about the tie-dyed napkins and thought, that a 100% cotton Man’s handkerchief would work or the bandana’s you see at Your Local Craft store would be great for napkins for kids lunches.. they may even use them if they are in their favorite color.
This is a simple/silly question, but what is your girls’ preferred cheese to eat on a sandwich with hummus? My daughter loves hummus but I can’t really imagine what cheese would be good with it on a sandwich
Hi Jen. Oh my goodness there are just so many cheeses that go well with hummus but it completely depends upon the cheeses that you/your kids like and the type of hummus you are pairing it with. Cream cheese and hummus is a nice combination as is gouda, provolone and cheddar, especially if there is a nice layer of veggies in between. :) Enjoy. ~Amy
What type of flour would be clean and could replace while wheat flour? I’m gluten free.
I don’t personally use gluten-free flours so I am not sure what the replacement ratio would be. You should check out Deliciously Organic’s blog because she has lots of advice and experience with this! I hope that helps :)
what’s the best way to freeze the muffins? I’ve been wrapping in wax paper and putting in freezer bags, but they don’t seem to taste the same. Is there a better alternative?
Hi Erin. That is pretty much what I do as well. You will find that both texture and moisture can be a bit different after freezing but I never find the taste to vary too much. Did you freeze them immediately after cooling? I wouldn’t recommend refrigerating because that can really dry them out. I’m afraid I haven’t helped. :( ~Amy
this my frist time been on here .need help on food meal for dieb type 2 the food i looking for no salt ,no sugar low of fat / i been baking on whole wheat flour apples sauce for sugar
i would like the whole dounut recipt .my huband love dounut the store very fating and full of sugar
. i buy new applicad newave oven love it
and a new bleander mart tell please help betty lucas
Hi there Betty. I am not exactly sure what you are asking. Avoiding processed/packaged food can go a long way in helping you avoid hidden ingredients and in helping you manage your Type II Diabetes. It is very important that you follow the advice of your physician first and foremost. This website may be helpful: http://www.joybauer.com/type-2-diabetes.aspx. I do know you are looking for the Whole Grain Donut recipe: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/12/21/recipe-mini-whole-grain-donuts/ for your husband. Wishing you good health. ~Amy
My son is allergic to eggs. Do you have any suggestion on how to make the donuts without eggs? Thank you!
Hi Geeta. This link which give suggestions based on cooking methods should help: http://chefinyou.com/egg-substitutes-cooking/. Choose real food replacements whenever possible. ~Amy
My son is also allergic to eggs. I use ground flax seed as an egg replacer, and it works great. 1 tablespoon of flax mixed well with 3 tablespoons of water is equivalent to 1 egg.
Has anyone tried a different sweetener with the baked whole wheat donuts? My daughter is not a maple syrup fan. Would honey or agave syrup work?
Hi Laurie. Honey would work great. We do not use agave in our recipes. ~Amy
Amy- curious about the agave. Any particular reason you avoid it, or is it that you guys just prefer honey? Thanks!
Hi Abbie. There is. This article will explain: http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/. Best of luck. ~Amy
Hi there,
How do you package the frozen yogurt for your daughter’s school? We have used Gogurt and things like that in the past because they are so convenient to pack. Does it stay in the mold and go straight in her lunch bag? Would love to hear. Thanks!
Hi Kendra. This post should answer your questions: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/. ~Amy
Hi –
Any comments on the sunbeam donut maker compared to the bella one?
It seems that both look good, not sure which one to buy. Thanks
thanks for all the inspiring ideas!
I also make baked donuts with pumpkin puree or adding flax seed. Sometimes we change them up to “donagels” by cutting them like a bagel, toasting and using cream cheese on them. My daughter loves them.
Hi! Our kiddos are 6, 4, 2 and they LOVE the mini donuts! I add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate ones. Yum! We just started grinding our own flour… So we use our vitamix to grind up fresh organic soft white flour for these… Makes em taste even better! Thanks for the recipe! :) – The Holcombe family
Me again. Do you avoid nonstick surfaces in general? I do, so I consider this donut maker to be a ‘cheat’ in the nontoxic department. Would love to have your thoughts on this. I tried to kick teflon out of the kitchen but finally got an ikea nonstick just for eggs.
I avoid nonstick for the most part, but not 100%…probably only 85 or 90% of the time. For eggs it’s possible you weren’t cooking them at the right temp. Also, it helps to let the eggs sit for a minute or two before you start stirring them in the pan. Good luck!
love your website! these look great!
love your website! everything looks good!
Try cooking eggs in a cast iron pan that has been seasoned (oiled). My mom used one for years and nothing sticks to it and you just wipe it clean. The drawback is it’s so heavy!
Try a cast iron frying pan for the eggs. I’ve used mine for about 7 years now and still non-stick. I bought mine in Target, brand name “the lodge”. It is made in the USA and only cost around $10. In addition I also use their Dutch oven, square pan for grilling (on the stove), and basically all their line. You can take them camping with you as well.
Hey Lisa! I am intrigued by the “Whole-Wheat Non-Deep Fried Donuts” and plan to try them. Just wondering if you’ve found or developed any other recipes? Thinking I may try putting fruit in them just because.
any other recipes using this appliance, I mean
Hi Stacy. Did you see the recipe shown along with the actual donut maker…https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#appliances. Jill
I found a Bella donut maker on clearance at Target last week! Finally got around to making a batch and I decided to modify your recipe. We had delicious pumpkin donuts!
Here is what I did for Pumpkin Spice Donuts: 1 cup whole-wheat flour, 3 tsp baking powder, 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 3 tablespoons canned organic pumpkin puree, 1/2 tsp (up to 1 full tsp.) pumpkin pie spice, pinch of salt. I made another batch without the pumpkin pie spice and just eyeballed it with some cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and they were just as good. :)
Just found your website and I like all your lunchbox ideas.It’s just hard for me to keep up with my 7 years old daughter;she gets bored easily from food.
I inherited from my mom pans for donuts to bake them in the oven, any suggestions on what temperature and how long to bake them in the oven?
I found online a temp of 325 and bake 8 to 10 minutes, and they came out perfect! I added apples and cinnamon to mine, yum!!
Hi Misty. I make donuts in the oven as well. I bake mine at 350 for about 15 minutes. Jill
I am always looking for good/different ideas for school lunches. I’d love to get away from wheat as much as possible for my daughter so the apple slices are a great idea. Also, do you make your own tortillas or buy them? The only ones I can find at the store that don’t contain processed soy are by Alvarado Street, which my daughter isn’t crazy about.
Hi Lyza. You can check out these 2 tortilla recipes…https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/05/26/recipe-whole-wheat-tortillas/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/26/recipe-easy-whole-grain-corn-tortillas/. Jill
The apple sandwiches are wonderful with cheddar cheese and turkey. I’m gluten intolerant and loved this idea as a bread alternative.
We made bite-sized banana sandwiches the same way you made the apple sandwiches, and froze them. They were a big hit at lunch time!
Hey Lisa and crew — Just wanted to say that I LOVE your site! You have done all the hard work and are making it SOOOO much easier for me to transition my family off of processed food. For example, this weekend we made your whole wheat crepes and whole wheat waffles which were both a hit (no one knew they were a healthy version!) With school starting in a week, I’m excited to try many of your school lunch and snack tips — I will feel so much better about what my kids are eating during the day! Thank you!
I read about the apple sandwiches a few times before I actually tried them. I guess I wasn’t sure they were all that special. Once I made them though, I got it! I made some with peanut butter and some with cheddar cheese and they were so delicious! People at work looked at me funny, but after I took the first bite I realized they were probably just envious of my amazing healthy snack ;)
I love this website! All the wonderful recipes, information, and ideas…. I started my family on a healthier way of eating about a year and a half ago….. well what i thought was healthier…. we were still eating alot of processed foods…. this website opened my eyes to so much…. My only problem now is that i can’t seem to get my two year old to eat…. she never has liked many fruits and only one veggie. she is constantly crying and saying she is hungry but refuses my many offers. she wants cereal, goldfish, cookies, or waffles…. we have slowly weeded that stuff out of our pantry. what should i do?
Hi Stephanie. I would just stick with it. I found with my own that once they realized that was how it was going to be they finally started eating it. You might want to check out Lisa’s recent snack list to get some ideas https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/31/85-snacks-for-kids-and-adults/. Best of luck. Jill
Just found this website from Pinterest.com and I love it! I am a teen girl who has been really into healthy eating. Ive been looking for healthy meal ideas so im glad i found this website!
I was also wondering if you knew how many calories a 15 year old female who is moderatly active and weighs 105lbs would need. I have been curious about that.
Hi Keri. I don’t know but there are many websites that can tell you that information. Good luck. Jill
Thank you so much for your cool website. I too found you on Pinterest. I have a son with ADHD and this site gives me so many great ideas into to tempting his appetite. Thanks so much for your hard work.
Hey Lisa,
I am super interested in getting those reusable smoothie pop makers. However they are made in China along with the ones from Kindervelle. I don’t usually buy those kinds of things from China since it worries me about what they put in their products. I was just wondering if you were concerned at all about that.
I am sorry to hear they won’t work for you…”made in china” is not something we are personally over-concerned with at the moment…
Casey, if you google the Kinderville Little Bites they are actually independently tested and certified and sold by a lot of the “green” companies online, I think they are your best bet if you’re looking for safe silicone molds. (There are stainless steel ones out there, but I would imagine they are made overseas as well.) I personally went with Kinderville because they were the smallest ones I could find, I wanted something to fit inside our Lunchbots containers. Thanks to Jill for turning us on to the wonders of homemade popsicles, you’ve saved us hundreds of dollars I’m sure! (I used to eat a sugar free fudge pop every*single*day for my chocolate fix!)
Lisa- your website is so amazing! I’ve been trying to get out of processed foods and into more real foods. It’s so overwhelming though. I love doing make ahead meals. Do you have recipes for those? It looks like most of the recipes that I’ve seen are made that day. That’s not possible for me, typically what I do for our dinners is prep everything on Sunday’s, freeze it and pop it into the oven day of… But lunches are a different story. We have a lot of sandwiches because I don’t know what else to do. I like the apple sandwich idea but how long would that last? Even if I made it the night before would it be good the next day?
Hi Julie,
Try this site. I haven’t made any of the recipes yet, but it looks promising!
http://onceamonthmom.com/menus/whole-foods/
Hi Julie. Most of the meals can be made ahead of time and frozen. As for the apple sandwich, squeeze a little lemon juice on it and it will prevent if from turning brown. It should be fine if you make it the night before. Jill
I stumbled onto this website my sis in law posted on Pinterest. So far, I like what I have seen. I was drawn to the apple slice sandwiches. I was curious as to what was put in them. I found quite a few other ideas also. It will be a little while until I will need to pack a lunch for my daughter, but will definitely have to try some of these. We have recently changed our eating habits and I need some great ideas to lure my kids in to eating better. Thanks. I have put your website on my bookmarks bar.
I love all your lunch ideas! I just started working in an office (I’m a senior in college), and I couldn’t think of things for lunches, and this helped greatly! Thank you!
Do you put anything on top of the donuts?
I haven’t yet, but that is a good idea…you could experiment!
My kids love Boars Head sandwich meat wrapped in romaine lettuce. We don’t even keep bread in the house anymore.
Hi Lisa, this is a wonderful site with great info. My husband and I just started the DASH diet a week or so ago. With high blood pressure and diabetes in both our familys we decided it was time to change things. We have a 14 year old son who eats pretty good and hasn’t complained about the change in eating habits but I have a really hard time packing his lunch. He has carried his lunch to school for most of the 8 years as he doesn’t like the “junk” they offer in school. I think the main problem i have is getting the vegies incorporated into his day. He loves almost all vegies, but not many in raw form. Any suggestions?
How about grinding up raw veggies into a smoothie?
Hi Lisa!! Love your site – great info. Just had a quick quesiton about the donuts – Have you ever added anything to these to change up the flavor? Such as blueberries, apples, pumpkin, strawberries, chocolate? Just wondering how I can change it up every now and then for the kids. I love flavored donuts and would love to make a “real food” version…
I have not tried that yet myself, but others have told me it works great. Have fun experimenting!
I just made these whole wheat donuts and they were a hit! It was our first time using our little donut maker and my first time trying out coconut oil, a great way to kick off our summer holiday after preschool let out yesterday. Thanks for the great recipe. What kind of donut maker do you have? Ours is called “Babycakes” and the recipe only made 14. No big deal, but I guess it must be on the large size…
Hi Amanda. Here is the link to the donut maker:https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#tools. Jill
Hi Lisa,
Just found your blog today & want you to know how much I love it! Also, several reviewers on Amazon complained about the smell of the homemade smoothie pops. Have you had any problems with that?
Welcome to the site! We have not had an issue with a smell in our smoothie pop holders, but we do wash them thoroughly.
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Ditto what Amanda said! I think I will try your donut maker recipe and add cocoa powder:) Might even add a smudge of sweet potato purée!
Thanks for such great ideas…
We love the whole wheat donuts! Have you tried a whole wheat chocolate recipe and if so, would you share it? Thanks!
I’ve gotta try that one soon!
Lisa!! I made the donut recipe in my cake pop maker!! Turned out GREAT. Now I just need to figure out what to dip them in to make them pretty. Yogurt chips? Carob? Any ideas?
Oh good to know! How about toasted or plain unsweetened coconut or you could make a yogurt sauce (plain yogurt, citrus and maple syrup).
kids love the ramen noodle soup, what is another option. thanks
Where do you get your containers for the smoothie pops and the “lunchable” lunches you make? Thanks!
The lunch containers are made by ziplock and sold in the tupperware section at Target and also at some grocery stores. Here’s the link to the freezie pop holders: http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-431-4-Piece-Silicone-Maker/dp/B0036B9KHO?tag=knowledgepdco-20
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Would you share your recipe for egg salad?
It is really simple (and not 100% “real food” since I use store-bought mayo, but you could make your own). I chop up the eggs, add enough mayo for it to stick together, a dash of salt for each egg I put in, and a dab of mustard. That’s it!
Those apple rings would be great stuffed with tuna salad!
I’m such a dork. Yes, it did have too much baking soda, which the recipe didn’t call for at all. My new Trader Jo baking soda container looks just like my old store bought baking powder. I retried the recipe today with baking POWDER and it turned out great! Everyone loved them.
I just tried making the donuts and they didn’t turn out. Wondering what went wrong. They had a bitter taste, like there was too much baking soda, but I doubled checked and I had all the right measurements. Are the measurements right? Do you have any idea what might have happened? Thanks. Love your website, especially the lunch box ideas.
Hi Lisa – I can’t thank you enough for the lunch ideas! We all find lunchmeat a little gross, but I wanted to mix up the every day PBJ routine. I made banana bread yesterday, sliced it, made neufatchel (sp?) sandwiches, wrapped them up, and put them in the freezer to grab for lunch. My husband, who is a nightmare with fruits and veggies and is by far my toughest customer, took one for breakfast and just called to say how awesome it was! So, as always, thanks for the inspiration! [We’ve also been challenged by school “snack” time and I’ve been making tons of mini muffins – zucchini, pumpkin/pineapple, breakfast cookies, etc.]
**One question for you: I bought a tortilla press and can’t wait to make the corn tortillas on your site. Do you also use this for flour tortillas? I want to make a batch of those tonight for the rest of the week. I just can’t get them round – they look crazy (but taste good)~!**
I am so glad the ideas helped! I only use the tortilla press for corn tortillas, but you could possibly use it for the flour ones (just to get the round shape started) then roll it out with a rolling pin until it is the right thickness. The press won’t make the flour ones thin enough on their own. And by the way mine are barely ever perfectly round so don’t worry if they still taste good!
I went to the link for the freezer pop molds but saw a couple review that said they emitted and bad smell and affected the tasted. Have you experience that?
Not at all…and I recently ordered a second set for myself. I clean them thoroughly after each use.
What wonderful ideas!!! I have this page bookmarked. I will be visiting again and again. I just bought the freezer pops too!
Thanks!
I have 3 kids and the oldest, my daughter is 9 1/2. She only eats bananas and potatoes as fruit and veggies. She puts it in her mind that she won’t like things so when she tried something new (if that ever happens) she says I don’t like it usually. I showed my daughter this article and said hey you think we can do this and she said NO. We don’t each much junk. But when they have it, it’s homemade or organic (processed though). Any tips on how to proceed with a picky 9 yr old ( and two boys 7 and 3 who aren’t as picky). Also, how to handle school situations. I don’t want to be that weird mom, but someone needs to start somewhere.
Your daughter is probably old enough to watch Food, Inc. with you and learn that eating better will make her and her mommy live longer. The most important thing is to not give up and not push too hard…there is a sweet spot somewhere in the middle and eventually things will turn around for you! It will be much more effective if she is on board with the changes so work on educating her about the “why” a little more first. I hope that helps!
Agreed, mine child is 8 and was totally grossed out. She will not drink reg milk now. If she drinks any she likes homemade rice milk or oatmilk. I am proud of your family. My family was not for it at first, we actually went vegetarian and are 90% processed free. It is hard on somethings but we are desperately trying! If you google the ingredients in processed foods you will find there are a lot more carcinogens(cancer causing agents) than should be in the foods.
I do not work from the home and find it hard to make meals that are healthy when I get home and am exhausted. Do you have any suggestions on how to get ahead. Do you shop and have to cook daily with using all the fresh foods? I would love to start eating right and cooking right for my family.
Thanks for all the great ideas. Would love to make it work.
Ok found the blog I was hoping for! Great love it! def going to have to get those freezer pop holders!
I just wanted to drop by and tell you that I love your blog! I wish I had found it sooner, (I found it through the Yahoo article). My family has been eating this way for about a year as well, except we avoid dairy and only eat wild-caught fish. I know how hard it can be at first and the struggles you not only go through with your family but with others as well. I’m so glad you stuck with it and that other people are learning through your experiences. I have picked up a few ideas from your meal ideas, thank you! God bless! :-)
I saw those freezer pops and immediately purchased some from Amazon. I’ve gotten so tired of paying for the store version because they’re pricey (despite coupons) and not very eco-friendly. Thanks for turning me on to them!
I just wanted to say thanks for the link, I just purchased the freeze pop holders. My son is 2 and loves the “bad” freeze pops, so I’m excited to make good ones for him!
My son is very picky so it is always hard to switch things up and ensure he actually eats. I love the apple idea, think I will be trying that one tomorrow as he likes both items. Thank you for having this great site, I am learning so much.
This is my first time stumbling onto your blog and I love your ideas. When you put muffins and the like in the freezer, how do you usually store it and how long do they last? Thanks!
I love to make King Arthur flour’s baked donuts. the kids love them, and they are much better than anything you can find in the store! Love your blog!
Hi
Some of your ideas are quite good. I don’t have kids, but I do have a house full of special needs adults.
Most of them love the ideas you have here.
I have to change some of them due to food allergies and food intolerances, and here is one tip for you, instead of beef, try ground turkey or chicken a lot better and you really can’t taste the difference..
I just found your site two days ago, and spent two days reading it. I thought it was great. Ive been doing something a bit similar, well mine is way more restrictive. Its a (life change) allergy cleanse. Im not allowed any proceed food, can only flavor food with fresh herbs and only cook with olive oil, no dairy, only lean meats, no beef, no gluten, no corn, no soy, no coffee, no carbs (made out of any kind of flours). NO sugar, in any way shape or form (including fruit) with the exception of berries. The reasoning for the “NO sugar” is that sugar is so addicting that your brain reacts to sugar like it does to drugs. Your brain keeps you addicted to the sugar and tell your body that you need it. So in order to brake that brain addiction and have life long success, you have to retrain your brain to be able to break the brain addiction. Which turns out is incredibly hard and it is all purely mental, because at the moments where you cant stand the carvings for one more second you have to figure out what emotional triggers are causing the craving. And I did 5 moths strait with out a single drop of sugar
In reading your posts, I dont think I ever read anything about the mental or emotional struggles you might have had about giving up certain things, or if you struggled with it at all. (aside of the cooking, cleaning, planning, frustrations). which I understand cause before this my idea of cooking was the microwave and take out. I’m also wondering if you have considered juicing your own fruits and vegetables.
I also have a good snack for you and your family. Have you tried almond butter? one of the things i could have what i would consider a treat was a rice cake with almond butter, slice up a couple of strawberries (or any other berry) and put it on top. Its a version of PB&J healthier and practically no sugar.
Any tips for getting kids to eat any of this “good” stuff? My daughter will only eat PB&J sandwiches and Go-gurt. If I give her anything else for lunch she just won’t eat. Do I just starve her for a few days LOL?
One of my upcoming “real food tips” posts is going to be all about dealing with picky eaters so stay tuned! In the meantime here is an older post on the topic: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/19/winning-over-your-picky-eater/
thanks for those tips looking forward to some more- one thing i realized about my 6 yr old she does not like food that is mixed together or with sauce, toppings, condiments, etc, like she might eat the apple slices or the peanut butter but she will not eat the PB on the apple slices- mixed food is gross to her LOL- also she does much better with one thing at a time- like just the chicken, then just the rice, all plain of course
Your pizza toast brought back such memories for me! I used to babysit my sister (9 yrs. younger) after school. We always had a snack as soon as we got home and mini pizzas on toast was our absolute favorite. We rarely had sauce available and improvised with ketchup sprinkled with garlic powder and dried Italian herbs which sounds completely awful to me now but we really loved it as kids. It was a fun time for us and we have great memories of our time together, just the 2 of us. One of these days, I’m going to surprise her with a couple of pizza toasts (updated real food version, of course!) in her lunchbox for work.
Loving the apple sandwich idea!! Thanks for posting some great back to school lunch ideas! Any recommendations on a good, quality thermos that will keep hot foods warm and safe?
We love the stainless steel ones from Target (durable, reasonably priced, keeps food warm for many hours)…they are just like this: http://tinyurl.com/3lwfkmc
Always great ideas!! I was worried you might not keep this site going( I am always excitied for a new post) and run out of new suggestions! But kuddos, you just keep bringing more great things!!!!Lunch ideas are especially important for those of us facing a daily challenge for new lunch creations. Momma Pea at the site Peas and Thank you has some helpful ideas also. Lisa you would enjoy her humor!
Thanks so much for the pictures! My family is not accustomed to eating this way and I am trying to prevent a full on revolt!
I brought the little ones to the computer and asked, “Would you eat that?” They lit up over the apple sandwiches, muffins and the pizza toast.
I was excited most about the yogurt pops, but they were not impressed. They get Gogurts now and that packaging has cartoons on it. No worries – I offered to buy them stickers so they could decorate them themselves – SCORE!!!
Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much for the pictures! My family is not accustomed to eating this way and I am trying to prevent a full on revolt!
I brought the little ones to the computer and asked, “Would you eat that?” They lit up over the apple sandwiches, muffins and the pizza toast.
I was excited most about the yogurt pops, but they were not impressed. They get Gogurts now and that packaging has cartoons on it. No worries – I offered to buy them stickers so they could decorate them themselves – SCORE!!!
Thanks so much!!
Good for you…it might be hard to transition them at first, but I promise it will be worth it in the end! :)
Another lover of the pops! I found them randomly and they have been the BEST for making a healthy snack seem extra special! Anything left over of yogurt, smoothies, even melon that I could blend or puree works! Best of all, it keeps my 2yr. old occupied for awhile eating out of it :)
Those apple sandwiches were featured in last week’s Weight Watchers Weekly! Such a cute idea.
This is a list my oldest and I brainstormed when he decided he wanted more than PB&J in his lunch box.
http://www.mommacooks.net/2010/08/lunch-box-ideas/
How do you get your tortillas to look so nice. Is it just practice? I made them and they have lots of dark brown spots and were hardly round.
I have definitely had a lot of practice since I started making these a year ago, but trust me mine are hardly ever a perfect circle. They still taste the same though :) Make sure your temperature is just right when you are making them. You want it fairly hot, but not too hot (or you’ll have more dark brown spots) and not too cool b/c they will sort of harden by the time they get cooked. I usually have to adjust my temperature a few times at the beginning until I get it just right.
Any idea how to make “pigs” in a blankets out of good stuff? The kids are craving them. Thanks.
Well you could cut up organic, grass-fed (and local if you can find them) hot dogs into small pieces then wrap them in some homemade whole-wheat pastry dough!
Where do you get the smoothie pop holders, I love them and I know my kids would too!
Just click on the picture of them above and it will take you right to it (on Amazon)!
Are they BPA Free? some silicon products have an extra taste, what about these?
thanks
Mandana
I think pineapple juice will work on the apples just like lemon. Whenever we have a can of pineapple anything, I freeze the juice in ice cube trays and have them for this purpose.