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:
- 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
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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 teaspoon baking powder, 1 egg, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla, 4 tablespoons oil (I used coconut oil).
- Fruit Kabobs
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)
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.
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Beckie says
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...
Amanda says
We love the whole wheat donuts! Have you tried a whole wheat chocolate recipe and if so, would you share it? Thanks!
100 Days of Real Food says
I've gotta try that one soon!
Sara says
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?
100 Days of Real Food says
Oh good to know! How about toasted or plain unsweetened coconut or you could make a yogurt sauce (plain yogurt, citrus and maple syrup).
annette rae says
kids love the ramen noodle soup, what is another option. thanks
Marisa says
Where do you get your containers for the smoothie pops and the "lunchable" lunches you make? Thanks!
100 Days of Real Food says
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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Marcia S. says
Would you share your recipe for egg salad?
100 Days of Real Food says
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!
Teresa Wall says
Those apple rings would be great stuffed with tuna salad!
Denise says
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.
Denise says
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.
RNTCharlotte says
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)~!**
100 Days of Real Food says
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!
Lisa says
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?
100 Days of Real Food says
Not at all...and I recently ordered a second set for myself. I clean them thoroughly after each use.
Kim C. says
What wonderful ideas!!! I have this page bookmarked. I will be visiting again and again. I just bought the freezer pops too!
Thanks!
Karen says
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.
100 Days of Real Food says
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!
cindy says
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.
Nancy says
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.
rebekah says
Ok found the blog I was hoping for! Great love it! def going to have to get those freezer pop holders!
DeAnna says
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! :-)
Gaby says
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!
Chrissy says
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!
Andrea Travillian says
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.
Cammi says
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!
shelley says
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!
Michael says
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..
Jenn says
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.
Jan says
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?
100 Days of Real Food says
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/
Jan says
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
Kim M. says
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.
Melissa says
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?
100 Days of Real Food says
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
R says
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!
April says
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!!
April says
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!!
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you...it might be hard to transition them at first, but I promise it will be worth it in the end! :)
amanda says
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 :)
Amy @ A Little Nosh says
Those apple sandwiches were featured in last week's Weight Watchers Weekly! Such a cute idea.
Nina says
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/
Bethany says
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.
100 Days of Real Food says
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.
Teresa says
Any idea how to make "pigs" in a blankets out of good stuff? The kids are craving them. Thanks.
100 Days of Real Food says
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!
Kim says
Where do you get the smoothie pop holders, I love them and I know my kids would too!
100 Days of Real Food says
Just click on the picture of them above and it will take you right to it (on Amazon)!
Mandana says
Are they BPA Free? some silicon products have an extra taste, what about these?
thanks
Mandana
Lyn @ Life Lyn Style says
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.