Our first “School Lunch Roundup” post quickly became one of the most popular pages on the blog so I thought I’d put together another one for you (2018 update: there are so many of these now that I’ve put together a School Lunch Roundup Series page where you can see them all)! For those who are newer to our site be sure to check out “My Favorite School Lunch Supplies” to see the details on all our containers, lunch boxes, thermos cups, etc. Also, if you see a recipe below that you may be interested in (like quesadillas, apple sandwich, refried beans, chicken noodle soup, etc.) just search for it using the search box at the top, right of the page. Most are on the blog, but unfortunately I’m not able to put a live link in photo captions.
Also, I’d like to make sure everyone knows about our meal planning sponsor, Plan to Eat. The start of school means getting back on a schedule and they can definitely help when it comes to the kitchen and grocery shopping. Plan to Eat is a web application that creates a categorized grocery list from recipes that you drag into an interactive meal planning calendar. You can easily import recipes from any website using their handy bookmark (similar to “pinning” in Pinterest), which helps to keep all of your favorite recipes in one place. They are currently offering a completely free 30-day trial, so you should definitely give it a try!
So without further ado, here is a summary of the school lunches that I’ve been sharing on my Facebook page:
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Please feel free to share your lunch packing ideas in the comments below!
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Food Allergies: Dairy (including recipes)
Amy
September 4, 2012 at 3:00 pmYou’ve given me some great ideas. Thank you so much!
Lisa
September 4, 2012 at 3:09 pmI’ve been LOVING these posts! They are so motivating and fun for me to read. Thank you also for allowing us to share our ideas here! I have a list of HOT CEREAL muffins and other make ahead freezer muffins recipe for back to school breakfasts here: http://www.mooreminutes.com/2012/09/muffins-in-morning-collection-of-make.html
Chesley
September 4, 2012 at 3:16 pmYou are such an inspiration. THANK YOU!!!
Kelly
September 4, 2012 at 3:20 pmlove these ideas. I just started a similar new lunch system this year with my kids, and they love it. I have used you as inspiration!
Tiffany
September 4, 2012 at 3:22 pmThanks for the great ideas!
Vicki
September 4, 2012 at 3:22 pmI’m curious about what Reactions you hear from the kids friends, classmates, other parents, teachers, etc.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 19, 2012 at 2:05 pmHi Vicki. I find that it’s more that people are interested in what my kids are eating. One of my son’s classmates asked him if his mom was a chef and his teacher asked him if I could make her lunch. At the end of the day, I’m glad the other kids are curious, it will hopefully help to educate them as well. My kids like their lunch, so, that’s what really matters. Jill
Sarah
September 4, 2012 at 3:23 pmAwesome ideas. Thank you!! Just joined your page and love it.
S
September 4, 2012 at 3:25 pmThank you. These are wonderful!
Cindy
September 4, 2012 at 3:29 pmI love your lunch ideas! I want to make your apple sandwiches one day, soon. I’ve been so excited over making lunches for my kindergartner, I’ve been blogging about it too. It’s very new, but I’ve got about 3 weeks worth of lunches on there now. It’s not completely “real” food, but I try to keep it healthy. Thanks for all the inspiration. stayathomegoddess.blogspot.com
Keri
September 4, 2012 at 3:30 pmLove these ideas! Keep them coming! Price dropped again on the Norpro ice pop molds on Amazon so I ordered a set. Looking forward to making him some yogurt pops too. Thank you for your inspiration. Also, I never would have thought to pack hot foods but I’m going to get one of those Thermos containers so I can pack dinner leftovers too.
Dawn
September 4, 2012 at 3:55 pmHow do you freeze your leftover soup? Do you just defrost it the night before to put it into a thermos? My problem is I usually wait until the last minute (which is 4:30am for me when I leave for work), so if I forget to take it out he will have cold half-frozen soup.
Lori B.
September 5, 2012 at 1:54 pmI store leftover soup/chili in those glass canning jelly jars. Then while the kids are eating breakfast, I screw off the metal lids and microwave them in the glass until hot and then dump into the thermos.
I dont fill the glass jars all the way full before freezing so they dont crack.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 19, 2012 at 2:18 pmHi Dawn. Yes, I usually defrost it in the refrigerator the day before and then put it in the thermos. I know it’s so easy to forget to take it out. Jill
LeAnn
September 4, 2012 at 4:19 pmwe eat the ak-mak crackers all the time at home for lunch. however, when i packed them in my daughter’s lunch, she complained they were soggy by lunchtime. have you had this problem at all?
and, thank you! so much for your blog
Cindy
September 4, 2012 at 5:36 pmAlways LeAnn. They get horribly soggy. I buy cheap non-sharp spreaders and give them the spread/dip separately to spread at school.
LeAnn
September 4, 2012 at 10:08 pmglad to know it was not just us Cindy!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 19, 2012 at 2:19 pmHi LeAnn. Glad you’re enjoying the blog. I get the same complaint from my older 2 but my little 2 don’t care about the sogginess. But, yes, it’s hard to avoid them getting soggy if there is anything on them. Jill
AMMY D.
September 4, 2012 at 4:27 pmDo you put the Ziploc divided containers in a lunch bag? If so, what kind do you recommend? Thanks!
Amy M
September 4, 2012 at 7:53 pmI use the Ziplock containers almost every day. We just bought a Pack-it freezer lunch bag and I love it. Very roomy and keeps everything cold all day without any extra ice packs.
Dani
September 4, 2012 at 11:20 pmThe Ziploc three-compartment containers fit perfectly in a lunch bag that I picked up at Target for $4 about a week and a half ago! I can’t find it online, sadly, but my daughter’s is shaped like a ladybug and other options included a frog and a monster. They aren’t the SkipHop brand that can be seen on the Target site.
Dani
September 4, 2012 at 11:28 pmSorry, me again! The Ziploc boxes also fit in my daughter’s Laptop Lunches bag. She has this one: http://secure.laptoplunches.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=C711-GARDEN&eq=&Tp=
It’s must more expensive than the Target one, but in the event that your Target is completely out of the bags I mentioned, it’s an alternative. Good luck!
Christy
September 5, 2012 at 1:25 pmthe old navy ones work well for the ziploc plus an organic milk or individual v8 fusion, ice packs silverware and napkins. I could get two for less than one lands end, so I can wash one when the lid doesn’t get back on and the applesauce she didn’t eat ooze out before getting it home.
The ziploc containers are the BEST thing ever
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 19, 2012 at 1:40 pmHi Ammy. The Lands End ones work well. You can find them here…https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#kids. Jill
KED
September 4, 2012 at 4:36 pmLove the apple sandwiches and the waffle sandwiches. Haven’t talked my 9 year old into them yet but I may just surprise her one day :-) Question, how do you keep the apple’s looking so pretty, no oxidation or discoloring?
Cindy
September 4, 2012 at 5:35 pmI used to rub them with a piece of lemon I put in the fridge, but I have found when I use an airtight container, they don’t brown up much at all.
Dani
September 4, 2012 at 11:21 pmI keep lemon juice on hand for making buttermilk substitute in recipes and have taken to using a pastry brush to brush the juice on the exposed apple flesh.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 19, 2012 at 1:41 pmHi Ked. Try a little lemon juice squeezed onto them. Jill
Jamie
September 4, 2012 at 5:16 pmI made up pre-portioned containers of fresh fruit, put them in the freezer. In the morning I put them in the kids lunch bags and by lunch time the fruit is thawed! http://jamespurejoy.blogspot.com/2012/08/school-lunches.html
Cindy
September 4, 2012 at 5:33 pmI make a “Dippy” Lunch. I give them a container of dip: cream cheese with garlic & fresh herbs, organic peanut butter, organic homemade hummus (basically food processed TJ organic garbanzos, tahini, garlic, lemon and salt),organic greek yogurt with pureed fruit. I purchased spreaders (not sharp ones) and then give them all kinds of things for the dips. They LOVE using the spreaders!!!
Tammy
September 4, 2012 at 5:41 pmI love your site. It seems that all the lunch blogs are focused around school lunches. What kinds of lunches do you and your husband eat. I’m interested in how you plan adult lunches. I pack a lunch and a couple snacks everyday for work normal I just have a sandwich with lunch meat and a salad. I’m looking for ways to turn it into a real food lunch. Any suggestions on adult lunches?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 19, 2012 at 1:48 pmHi Tammy. You may want to check out “A Week with the Leakes” series we did to find some lunch ideas. Here is the link to the post…https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/05/17/a-week-with-the-leakes-lunch/#more-2547. Jill
Sabrina
September 4, 2012 at 6:15 pmI wish my kids would eat like this. We are trying.. but it is hard. mostly becuase everyone else in the exteneded family eats so badly. That is about to change though.. my dad had a triple bypass and I think it scared my in laws. Everyone is working on getting healthy now!
Amy
September 4, 2012 at 6:16 pmMy kids love dumplings in a thermos container with edamame on the side.
I post the lunch notes that I make for my kids as free printables on my website http://www.littlelunchnotes.com/. They are illustrated jokes, fun facts, etc. Please take a look and feel free to print them out for your own kids.
Jennifer
September 5, 2012 at 3:45 pmThis is so great! Thank you for adding this.
Delee
September 4, 2012 at 6:52 pmI can’t get enough of your lunch box ideas. My oldest is going into first grade tomorrow and I just made your banana bread recipe into muffins for his first school lunch. I can’t wait to try your zucchini muffin recipe! Thanks for all your great ideas.
Robin Jingjit
September 4, 2012 at 7:55 pmI bring a binto (Thai for bento, I guess) for lunch often. It’s a stacking canister and I’ve brought everything from rice and beans to curry to cereal and milk in it.
This isn’t mine but I googled a picture to show what i’m talking about
http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/1290899372/
Leftovers are lunch’s best friend.
Di
September 5, 2012 at 5:49 pmWe’ve always known those as tiffins, and I believe they are of Indian origin. You can get them in 2 or 3 (or more) deep. The one we have is stainless steel and three deep, Rice, curry and samosa/pakora ;)
Sarabell
September 4, 2012 at 8:06 pmLove the blog, love the lunch ideas! I bought some similar containers this year and love them. I pack most of my husband’s lunches in them and always pack myself one if I’m going to be out-and-about at lunchtime.
Nancy Markey
September 4, 2012 at 8:06 pmLove the photos of great looking yummy, healthy food!
Char G
September 4, 2012 at 8:11 pmI pack my work lunch nearly every day and I get lots of inspiration in what you pack for your children. Thank you
Syhren
September 4, 2012 at 9:24 pmThese are definitely some of my favorite posts as well! Thank you so much for sharing! :)
Alison
September 4, 2012 at 9:30 pmI’m wondering where you found the peanut butter packet? That would be really handy for the occasional times packing our own is inconvenient. Thanks!
Angie Zumach
September 4, 2012 at 9:53 pmI know that Target carrys the peanut butter packets.
Nikki
September 5, 2012 at 9:16 amWe find our peanut butter/Almond Butter/Sunflower Butter packets by Justins at Jewel Osco in the Organic aisle :) They’re great for when you’re on the road or snacks at the zoo!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 19, 2012 at 1:54 pmHi Alison. I have seen them at Earthfare. Jill
Economiesofkale
September 4, 2012 at 10:43 pmSome great ideas there, even for us big kids :) I would love to find the little peanut butter packets in Australia, but haven’t managed to yet.
I love reading your school lunch posts, it looks like so much thought and care goes into them. When I was a kid we made our own lunches which, for me, involved grabbing an apple, some nuts and some kind of processed sweet. I’ve come a long way since then :)
Karen
September 5, 2012 at 6:47 amI made vegetarian mini-quiches for lunches for the first time. My daughter was psyched, and they can go in the freezer for later.
Leslie
September 5, 2012 at 8:56 amI love your waffle sandwich idea. Do you make waffle batter and freeze it? Do you make waffles and freeze them? Please explain how you are able to make such small portions. I SO want to use that for my daughters’ lunches.
Thanks!
Nikki
September 5, 2012 at 9:19 amI don’t know how everyone at Real Food does it, BUt for our house when I make them on the weekend, I double and sometimes triple the batch and freeze them with parchment paper layered between them. When needed I defrost over night and to crisp them up I toss them in the oven at 350 for about 5 minutes and they turn out great everytime!
Christy
September 5, 2012 at 1:22 pmlook for a waffle maker that divides it into four small quarters. My old one didn’t so two black fridays ago I got a flip kind that does. That way I can do quarters or halves. I took the classic waffle recipe and changed it to use the king arthur white whole wheat flour and either applesauce or coconut oil for the oil. I always add lots of cinnamin, and then drop fruit in (bluberries, strawberries or bananas at our house) when I pour the batter onto the waffle iron so I can make one batch of batter and several different kinds of waffles.
I make them every weekend for breakfast and they freeze beautifully. Just make sure they are totally cool before stacking and putting in freezer bags. No more eggos for us.
kath
September 5, 2012 at 11:35 pmchristy, can you write out what ingredients are on the king arthur white whole wheat flour bag, please? i’m interested in finding a similar product here in australia, thanks.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 21, 2012 at 12:57 pmHi Leslie. I make the waffles and freeze them. Usually though, if we have waffles one morning for breakfast, the next day they take the leftovers for lunch (and then I just store them in the refrigerator for the day). I’m not sure I understand your question about the portion sizes. Jill
April
September 23, 2012 at 6:35 pmI think she was trying to ask how Lisa can have just two small waffles to make a sandwich. So I think you answered her question by saying you freeze and/or use leftovers.
Mary-Ann F.
September 5, 2012 at 9:08 amLooks great but we cannot bring any nut products to school. :(
Jenifer
September 5, 2012 at 11:10 amUs either… no nuts or nut products really limits your choices for lunch packing. :(
Mary
September 5, 2012 at 4:29 pmIf you can’t bring nut butters, try sunflower seed butter (keep it in the fridge though), it tastes wonderful and doesn’t stick to the roof of the mouth! My whole family loves the stuff.
Shannon
September 12, 2012 at 6:37 pmOur school doesn’t even allow sunflower seed butter. No seed or nut products period. I was wondering if anyone has any information on whether or not those with nut allergies can have seeds (like an article or your own personal experience) that could help me understand why they have this rule. Thanks!
Kami
September 5, 2012 at 3:09 pmShe uses sunflower seed butter also.
Michelle
September 5, 2012 at 3:14 pmHi,
Help! I made the smoothie freezer pops for my kids lunches yesterday and they exploded all over the lunch sacks. Any recommendations on how to pack these w/out the explosion? I ordered them on Amazon and also ordered the Ziploc tupperware shown above. It doesn’t seem to fit in the large compartment.
Mary
September 5, 2012 at 4:31 pmIt helps to fold the bottom part up a bit(you may need to ‘break’ up the ice inside a little). I’ve found the key to doing it is not overfilling the contents inside the pop mold.
Amy
September 5, 2012 at 4:52 pmWe had the same problem! Try leaving 3/4 in space at the top, so there’s room to expand and then freeze them upright, not lying down. Double check that the lids are on tight in the morning and you should be good to go!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 21, 2012 at 1:15 pmHi Michelle. Make sure you don’t fill them all the way. You also have to fold up the bottom just a little to fit in the large compartment of the Ziploc container. Jill
Carin
September 5, 2012 at 3:21 pmI am trying so very hard to get my 5-year-old son to eat more of a variety. For now, we have been sticking with only the real food that he likes, otherwise, he simply will not eat. I would love to serve him that quiche. He loves eggs and I could even puree the vegetables I choose and hide them in there. I wish there were a magic trick to get my child to eat what I want him to eat.
Vinny Grette
September 5, 2012 at 3:48 pmApple sandwiches is a brilliant idea!
Vinny Grette
September 5, 2012 at 3:53 pmDon’t know how my comment for the website author got placed under your comment – I screwed up somewhere!
I *was* looking at your comment, however, and thinking that parents just have to be persistent and offer NOTHING but the healthy foods they want their child to eat. Keep bringing out this food when the kid complains about being hungry. Next day start over with new healthy food choices. Soon, he’ll have to eat!
amy Mosca
September 5, 2012 at 3:38 pmPrinted, thanks for the wonderful ideas. Really helps keep me from packing junk :-)
Melissa Shirts
September 5, 2012 at 4:00 pmI’ve been using your site for some time (thank you so much!) and since school started tried the lunch containers you use, but the yogurt or fruit juice gets all over the other food, making the bread or whatever else is in there soggy. How do you prevent the lunch from moving around in a kids backpack? I bought separate containers with lids for the fruit and yogurt now, but it would be nice to know how you deal with it? :) Thank you!
Casey
September 6, 2012 at 12:30 pmI use the same ziplock containers and you just need to make sure each compartment seals tightly and they work great!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 21, 2012 at 1:23 pmHi Melissa. You are using the Ziploc ones? I put yogurt in one compartment and as long as the lid is sealed tight (so that the inner pieces that separate the compartments locks down) you should have no issue with food transferring between sections. We have been fine. Jill
Erin
September 5, 2012 at 4:50 pmI’ve started sending my son to school with the Ziploc containers, but I need to know…what lunch boxes do you all use? I can’t find any that are the right size. I’ve been looking and have not found anything, any recommendations are appreciated. Preferably something with the ability to keep cold. Even though I am sending an ice pack or smoothie pop inside, I’d like to know it’s cold enough, the teacher keeps the lunches outside the classroom and I’m worried.
Amy
September 5, 2012 at 4:54 pmWe found “California Innovations” lunch boxes at Target that fit the ziploc containers well. Not enough room for a thermos in some models, though.
Emily
September 5, 2012 at 6:07 pmthe Land’s End lunchboxes fit the ziploc containers, plus usually a drink and a fruit and snack. I think it is the “classmates” lunch box. And with an ice pack, they stay cold.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 21, 2012 at 1:25 pmHi Erin. Check out the Lands End ones that we use…https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#kids. Jill
Di
September 5, 2012 at 5:50 pmGreat ideas! Good inspiration for tricky husbands who take packed lunch too!
Diane
September 5, 2012 at 6:26 pmHey Mom, can you pack my lunch? ;) haha Those look so great! I always love what you come up with. I just wish my son would eat that kind of food. He’s so picky. I did get some ideas for my own food at home, however. I’ve gone dairy free (lactose intolerant) and grain free (fibromyalgia). Just trying to see what works with that but I think I will stay off gluten if I can manage it. My son is in psychological treatment for up to a year and I want to change everything with his diet when he gets home. Now I just need to convince them to change it at the boys ranch where he’s being treated. He just got there a couple weeks ago so I haven’t addressed it yet but I plan to. I wish more of these places and hospitals would understand what diet can do to behavior. I’ve talked to parents that have had success in changing things but it’s real hard with an already picky eater.
Erin CF
September 6, 2012 at 1:17 amWondering if any Canadians out there have managed to find or order the ziploc containers. I love the look of them, but haven’t been able to find that container in the store and amazon.com says I can not have it shipped to my address. HELP!
Jennifer
September 6, 2012 at 9:46 amHi Erin — I’m not Canadian, but I did find the Ziploc containers on Amazon for a great price. They’ve worked wonderfully for my daughters’ lunches so far!
Erin CF
September 7, 2012 at 12:54 amJennifer, thanks for the reply. I wish it was that easy!!
I tried amazon… they wont ship them to Canada. I also called ziploc. They said they used to sell them in Canda, but don’t anymore (they weren’t sure why)…when I contacted Amazon about not being able to get them shipped here they said that ziploc had put a block on shipping to canada for “warranty reasons”. Ugh. I am now looking for a family or friend who can hit up a target store when they make a trip south of the border.
Amanda
September 7, 2012 at 6:40 pmThey do ship, go to amazon.ca and search Ziploc
Erin CF
September 8, 2012 at 1:15 amThey wont ship the ziploc divided rectangles though (apparently b/c ziploc has blocked shipping to Canada). I haven’t ever had this problem before. I have a friend making a trip to the states who will look for some for me there. If you find a link to the container on amazon.ca let me know. I didn’t see it when I looked there. I think I’ve spent far too much time and energy trying to figure out how I can get these containers.
Samantha
September 6, 2012 at 10:04 amThanks for this great post. I sat down with my kids and scrolled through the lunch options. We picked out a few new things to try. I hope it will add some variety to their lunches. I also loved some of the products you used and ordered the ziploc trays and smoothie pouches. Thanks again.
Sydney
September 6, 2012 at 7:20 pmAwesome ideas! A week into school and I’m already running out.
Melissa
September 7, 2012 at 12:37 amI ordered the freezie pop molds and made smoothies to freeze in them. By the time it is my daughter’s lunch time the smoothie is defrosted but all the liquid is at the bottom and the fruit chunks (and kale or spinach) are at the top. Even after shaking it up it still taste awful! Any suggestions? When i make the smoothies at home and serve them they are instantly slurped up by the whole family. Why do the defrosted ones taste so gross? What am I doing wrong????
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 21, 2012 at 9:03 pmHI Melissa. I’ve not heard of that happening before. Is your blender actually chopping everything up? It may be that the consistency is not right before freezing it. Hope they turn out better for you next time. Jill
Athena
September 7, 2012 at 10:45 amPacking healthy lunches for my son is a top priority for me. Here’s a link to what I’ve done:
http://lifesabundantadventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/healthy-school-lunches-they-can-be-easy.html
Jess
September 7, 2012 at 2:08 pmLove these posts. Was really upset/disgusted to see this blog on Pinterest: http://crazy–maybe.blogspot.com. It is the exact opposite of your wonderful, healthy recipes! All red colored food for lunch? Ummmm someone doesn’t know how bad food coloring is.
Leah
September 10, 2012 at 11:25 pmWow. Normally I try to give people a pass and not be super judgmental… but that makes me cringe like none other! Funyons? Cheetos?o.0
Ludicrous Mama
September 13, 2012 at 8:32 pmObviously you can substitute in your own choice of sides. There are some fun ideas though, to make food more fun and appealing to kids, which is what you should take away from the pinned ideas.
For the longest time I couldn’t afford fresh fruits and veggies. And it didn’t even occur to me to use canned or frozen instead. (Plus I dislike cooked fruits/veggies anyway, unless mixed into other foods.) Luckily my daughter loves fresh fruits and veggies, as well as frozen ones (still frozen, of course!) But not everyone can get their kids to do it.
My attitude generally is: are they feeding their kids? Yes? Fantastic. MOM OF THE YEAR! Healthier feeding is just gravy on top!
Cristi
September 13, 2012 at 8:51 pmUpset & disgusted, wow, that’s harsh! Cheetos & food colouring are not child abuse. I agree with Ludicrous Mama. Hooray for people who feed their kids, hurrah for those who care enough to take the time to make the food fun! Save your disgust for those who are starve their kids and be upset for kids who don’t have ANY food healthy or otherwise.
Leslie
September 8, 2012 at 5:00 pmYou’ve inspired me to pack more healthy food for my kids! I also love the environmental aspect of reusable vs. disposable lunches. For single servings of peanut butter and salad dressing, I like small reusable containers like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Evriholder-D2G-Dressing-Blue-Green/dp/B0076PNQNU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_k_3
http://www.amazon.com/Tupperware-Smidget-Container-Each-Assorted/dp/B001E3DMXY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_2
Shannon
September 8, 2012 at 8:09 pmI LOVE the fact that Plan to Eat lets you try out their site without giving a credit card number first. Great sponsor and great site. THANK YOU!
Melanie
September 10, 2012 at 11:06 amI’d love to know your recipe/how you made the caprese salad, that looks SO tasty :) Getting lots of tomatoes and fresh basil in the farm share box this week so it’d be a lovely way to use some of that up. Can you share?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 24, 2012 at 10:51 pmHere it is…https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/06/02/recipe-caprese-salad-with-basil-pesto/. Jill
Samira
September 11, 2012 at 1:08 amWondering what other green items to send. I find that many of our lunches don’t have a really green green. Creative ideas? We put kale in our smoothies and chard in our salads. I include cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, spinach in our lunches. What else?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
September 27, 2012 at 11:49 amHi Samira. You could always send a salad with some dressing on the side. Or, you could try and get more of the greens in at home if you think that might be too messy for school. Jill
Amy
September 11, 2012 at 9:36 pmMy kids are not in school yet but I am pinning this so as to remember these ideas. I’m also passionate about serving my kids the most real food possible. Right now they are preschoolers, so I give them snacks like this:
http://www.creativekidsnacks.com/2012/09/grover.html
Thanks for your awesome ideas. I love your site.
Amy @ Creative Kid Snacks
Lydelle
September 13, 2012 at 2:57 pmGreat great suggestions. I love the flavors presented here and the healthy alternatives that are shared. I’ve been a big carnivore since I was a kid but found that eggplant is a great alternative in helping me to transition into a healthier eating habit. However, if I do eat beef now) grass fed beef. Anyways, glad that I found this blog.
Jennifer
September 13, 2012 at 3:34 pmThank you for all your thoughtful posts. It has blessed me and my family as we work to eat healthy in tasty and creative ways. I’m so glad I found your blog!
Clarke
September 19, 2012 at 12:15 amThanks for all of the ideas for healthy eating alternatives here, I’ll definitely have to try them out.
Melanie
September 22, 2012 at 10:51 pmIs there a safe version of tofu? I know edamame is ok, but are there brands that arent overy processed? Im still new and worried about getting the wrong kind. Thanks!
Judy
April 12, 2013 at 9:20 amChoose organic tofu, to avoid GMO soy. Tofu is made from the whole bean, unlike fake meats that use soy protein isolate.
summa
September 26, 2012 at 4:21 amLove love love your lunch presentations. And the Apple pb sandwich is brilliant. Think I’m going to try that today !
Maggie
October 12, 2012 at 2:19 amHow do you pack the toothpicks in a closeable container?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
October 27, 2012 at 10:12 pmHi Maggie. I just lay them on their side and they’re fine. Jill
angela
October 13, 2012 at 1:30 amThese ideas are so wonderful! I have slowly been eating clean and my kids lunches and snacks not so much…..I want to incorporate less processed snacks for them and stumbled on this site!
jennifer
October 31, 2012 at 10:53 amCan you post a recipe for the whole wheat donuts? Coulnd’t find one on your blog. THanks!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
November 18, 2012 at 6:47 amHi Jennifer. It’s under the donut machine on this page here…https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#appliances. Jill
Jennifer
December 11, 2012 at 9:33 pmHow do you keep your apple sandwiches from browning by lunch time?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
December 27, 2012 at 7:42 amHi Jennifer. Just squeeze some lemon juice on them. Jill
camPossible
December 29, 2012 at 10:11 amHey there! I just wanted to say that I am really happy that there are moms like you taking the time to help show other moms ways to help their families, but especially their kids, eat healthier and with portion control in mind. I am in high school and I think this is a really great site because it is so accessible! Also, I would like to let you know that I found your blog through a college’s pinterest page that thought you were doing a great job too! Keep up the great work Jill :)
Jamie
January 23, 2013 at 4:13 pmHi Lisa! I’m looking for a hummus and guacamole recipe. Can you help? Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
January 25, 2013 at 1:28 pmHi Jamie. Here is a hummus recipe – https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/04/recipe-traditional-hummus/. Sorry, but, we don’t have one to share for guacamole. Jill
julie
January 28, 2013 at 5:27 pmWhere can I buy the containers? Are they rubbermaid Bento?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
February 13, 2013 at 2:51 pmJulie – Here is some information on the Bento boxes…https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/09/product-review-lunchboxes/. Jill
Amber
February 4, 2013 at 4:51 pmHow do you keep the fruit fresh until lunchtime? It seems like so much of this stuff would get mushy and “yucky” by the time they got to eat it.
On a seperate note, I think you are doing a great job and am so thankful for your blog. My daughter just started preschool and I have just started reading up on clean eating. I’m so disgusted by what is in our food and so motivated to make a change. Thank you for your work and for making it seem like such an attainable goal.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill)
February 21, 2013 at 11:02 amHi Amber. I cut all of my fruit right before they walk out the door so that it stays fresh. For apples, I squirt a little lemon juice on them. We are so glad you are enjoying the blog…thank you for reading. Jill
Nat
February 8, 2013 at 7:50 pmWow! This blog is truly inspiring and educational! I absolutely adore the recipes and creative ideas for picky eaters. It has really been a tremendous help!
Di
February 11, 2013 at 9:48 amI came across your blog while searching for a crock pot whole chicken recipe (which is cooking right now). I am going to try this out with my husband and kids. However, some of the lunch suggestions I know for a fact my kids will not eat. My daughter has a peanut allergy and my son is a rapidly growing 12-year-old. These lunches will be a mini snack for him. Any suggestions on filling lunches for preteens as well as a substitute for the nuts and peanuts?
Lynne
February 18, 2013 at 11:20 amWhere did you find your flexible frozen smoothie holders.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
February 25, 2013 at 10:34 amHi Lynne. You will find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/. ~Amy
Karyn Becker
April 12, 2013 at 2:19 pmWAFFLES for sandwich bread! I LOVE this! I always use the 100cal sandwich rounds, but I want to get my kids eating less wheat flour, so I can make almond flour waffles for the bread!
Nina
April 27, 2013 at 9:24 amI was looking for the potato/vegetable soup recipe. I made your tomato bisque soup for my family and it was a huge hit!
Thanks for sharing your recipes and ideas!! I love your website! I think I visit it a few times a day. I’m also going to try the apple peanut butter sandwich.
Stu
April 29, 2013 at 6:47 pmAll well and good, but do your kids ACTUALLY finish their lunches? You never mention this point in all your posts. . .
Lisa
May 8, 2013 at 1:58 pmI actually have mentioned this and even wrote a post recently that showed my daughter’s lunch after she ate it: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/04/12/school-lunch-life-cycle/
My kids usually provide input on what I pack for them, which means they eat all of it about 80 – 85% of the time.
Anna
May 22, 2013 at 3:39 pmI love this blog! I have based some of my own lunches at work on the school lunches you have posted, if you could post suggestions for adults packing lunches for work that would be really great!
JustAMom
June 29, 2013 at 4:15 amThere is not nearly enough vegetables, especially greens, in these lunches!
Sabrina
January 22, 2014 at 5:39 amThese recipes look nutritious enough for picky eaters. If you have suggestions, please post them!
SarahFae
August 14, 2013 at 6:07 pmI’m wondering how the muffins are frozen. Do you wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them individually or freeze them all in one container? How do you de-thaw them? Do you put them in the refrigerator the night before and then pop in the lunch box in the morning? Thanks for any tips!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
August 15, 2013 at 8:58 pmHello Sarah. I usually wrap my muffins individually and put them in an airtight container or bag. Be sure they are cooled before you wrap and freeze them. I typically thaw in the fridge overnight and use them the next day. Often they are gone by breakfast time. :) ~Amy
Laura
August 22, 2013 at 12:00 pmQuestion about the apple/peanut butter sandwich: do you put lemon juice on the slices of apples or do you have a better hint to prevent them browning? I don’t think that my son likes apples once I’ve added the lemon juice or maybe I put too much? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Stacy
September 17, 2013 at 2:44 pmWhat do you use to prevent the apple from turning brown. I have tried lemon squeezed but my kids say it tastes funny.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
September 18, 2013 at 6:05 pmHello Stacy. Lisa doesn’t use anything. Her girls don’t mind the color. :) However, several readers have said that pineapple juice work well while others say a salt/water bath. Good luck. ~Amy
Sonia
February 19, 2014 at 11:37 amI like the apple rings idea for a sandwich. When I do apple wedges, I sprinkle them with cinnamon, which adds a flavor my daughter likes. I tell her that’s why the apples are brown, and she eats it all up.
Charity Buckley
November 7, 2013 at 12:58 pmI just wanted to say thank you! I recently have become vegan due to the fact that I have Crohns disease and this seems to help me. I also eat mostly raw unprocessed foods as this helps too. I don’t make my kids eat this way, but I still didn’t want them to eat all processed foods either. I was overwhelmed about what to feed everyone. So your blog has helped me so much!! Now packing lunch isn’t a chore, it’s really fun! My girls are excited to help me at night. They were so excited about the freezer pops and the thermos for soup, thank you!!
Mrs Watson
January 10, 2014 at 11:42 amHi! This site is awesome. I’m trying to move my family towards whole foods, non gmo, organic and all that good stuff. Slowly but surely we are getting there. I see that you use whole wheat pitas from TJs. I’ve recently learned that we don’t know if the TJ products are non gmo as they are a private label. Do you have any thoughts on that? Is it best to just then get organic? Thanks again!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
January 15, 2014 at 1:49 pmHi there. I know it can be a difficult and confusing when trying to navigate this subject. I think it has to be a personal decision about how far to trust a store’s claims when they aren’t willing to be fully transparent. I shop TJ’s a lot and enjoy it but not without a little reservation because Con Agra does own one of there big suppliers. I do look for organic their products whenever possible. ~Amy
Beth
January 11, 2014 at 10:35 amI love your site – thank you!
I have a question about the apple peanut butter sandwich you show several times in the kids lunches section. How do you keep the apples from browning during the day (or do you)?
Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
January 15, 2014 at 5:05 pmHello Beth. Lisa doesn’t do anything. Her girls don’t mind the browning. Many readers use lemon or another acidic citrus to keep the brown away. ~Amy
Trista
January 24, 2014 at 12:29 amDo you use a specific deviled egg recipe that you can recommend?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
January 28, 2014 at 1:24 pmHi Trista. Lisa uses a traditional deviled egg recipe but replaces the mayo with sourcream. ~Amy
Kayla
January 29, 2014 at 1:19 amI noticed a lot of plastic ziplock bags. Have you ever thought of reusable bags? I get compliments on mine. They’re an awesome Eco friendly solution to plastic bags. I linked my Facebook bag for you to check them out. http://Www.facebook.com/kaylasecochicboutique
Sandra
April 7, 2014 at 1:25 pmThank you so much for these ideas!!! I LOVE the smoothie pops and I know my kiddos will too!! Just curiously, do the smoothie pops stay frozen, become slushy, or what by lunchtime??? Do you have to send a cooler pack?? Can’t wait to try some of these ideas??
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
April 9, 2014 at 9:58 amHi Sandra. Lisa packs them with ice packs but they do not stay frozen and are like a slushy yogurt tube. ~Amy
Sabrina M Bowen
August 22, 2014 at 5:32 pmThose all look good. But here’s the thing, not a one of them actually looks like enough food to keep my sons full til school’s over. THAT is the biggest issue I have when packing lunches is they’re hungry in another few hours… Lunch is at 11am, they don’t come home til 4. Ideas?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
August 25, 2014 at 9:51 pmHi Sabrina. Just pump up the serving sizes for lunch and see if you can sneak in a hearty afternoon snack. :)
jogirl837
August 25, 2014 at 8:56 amGreat ideas! Most of these look like something my kids would eat or at least try.
Angelique Mansell
September 2, 2014 at 2:31 pmSabrina, I hear ya! My son is 14 months old and would devour this yummy lunches and expect 3 more. Boys really eat a lot. My question is, how do you keep sliced apples from turning brown?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
September 5, 2014 at 11:39 amHi Angelique. Lemon juice does the best job but lots of people prefer pineapple juice for the taste. :)
Bryn J
September 2, 2014 at 11:05 pmHey there! I’m in my first year of dental school and trying to find healthy lunches to bring with me to school (instead of getting on the bus back to my apartment every day) — I absolutely love your ideas, and plan on using many of them.. thank you for sharing. I wanted to know what brand/type of whole wheat pitas you are using? I’d love to find a healthy option! Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy)
September 5, 2014 at 2:08 pmHi there. Lisa usually gets her whole wheat pitas from Trader Joes. ~Amy
Liz
January 16, 2015 at 11:35 amWhere do you get those cute little frozen smoothie holder pops?
:)
Amy Taylor (comment moderator)
January 20, 2015 at 2:11 pmHi Liz. You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/.
Christa
November 11, 2015 at 12:05 amThis isn’t the place that I first saw it, but I don’t know which page it was, and I had to send a THANK YOU comment. My son opted to go to the local school last month, after his entire school career being in a virtual school. So, I had to start packing lunches. And then, he threw me a loop today, and reminded me of a field trip tomorrow, and oh, the lunch has to be disposable. EEP! I would have been frantic, if i hadn’t read some of your ideas on that recently! Instead, I shrugged, said “ok”, and proceeded to pack the exact same planned lunch in disposable plastic containers (That I pulled out of my recycling from yesterday’s lunch and washed). I even refilled a cheap plastic water bottle that I had in the car, and turned it into lemonade. Real food, and everything from the plastic fork to the water bottle can go in the trash (if it has to… I wish they had the option to recycle).
Thanks, Lisa, for making my panic not appear. :)