100+ Alternatives to the Common Sandwich

by Amber GuetebierSeptember 3, 2020

Let’s face it: when it comes to lunch ideas for kids, no matter how enthusiastic you are at the start of the school year, every parent everywhere gets in a rut. To keep you inspired, we’ve rustled up our favorite lunch recipes that offer an appealing alternative to your standard PB&J. Scroll down and click through to get a complete list of school lunch ideas for kids.

15 Ideas That Aren't Sandwiches

There's no reason that your kid's lunch needs to have a sandwich to be satisfying. With these alternatives, like the turkey pinwheels featured above, you'll have plenty of recipes to get you through two weeks + of lunches. Click here to read more.

10 Meat-Free, Protein-Packed Lunches

Protein is what will keep those little muscles going from the playground to P.E. and beyond. But there are plenty of recipes that swap out meat for plant protein, and many of them pack some extra veggie goodness, too, like the Sweetie Pie Quesadilla featured above. Click here to get more ideas.

30 Fresh Ideas for Healthy Lunches

Healthy doesn't have to be boring, and this honey-mustard chicken wrap proves it. We gathered a month's worth of lunch ideas (including weekend fare) that are all as yummy as they are fresh. Click here to get inspired.

10 Awww-Inspiring Rainbow Recipes

Yes, we want nutritious and we want quick. But also sometimes we want rainbows! These rainbow dishes are totally outside the lunchbox norm, but imagine their surprise when they open it. Unicorn sushi? Read more here.

20 Cold Pasta Dishes Perfect for Lunch

When looking for sandwich alternatives, pasta should top your list. It's inexpensive, you can make the recipe the night before (or even the day before) and then dish it into containers when it's time to make the lunches. We've found 20 impressive recipes for pasta salad that even kids will love, like the nut-free basil pesto pasta pictured above. Click here to check out the big list of your new favorite dishes.

13 Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly Recipes

From a few lunchbox treats to some perfectly pop-able mini quiche (egg free, like the one above) we've rounded up several delicious recipes that are free of common allergens. Add these into your rotation when you just can't peel another carrot. See the complete list here.

12 Whole30 Lunches You'll Want to Pack for Yourself, Too

Jump on (or stay on) this healthy foods trend with school lunch ideas that are suitable for grown-ups, too. We know the kiddos will love the chicken fingers (shown above) but mom and dad are going adore the chicken salad with bacon and scallions. Get more recipes here.

9 Packable Wraps to Make for Kids Lunches

by Christal Y.August 13, 2020

Running out of steam with lunch ideas for kids? We’ve been there; sometimes a PB&J just doesn’t cut it. We’ve rounded up a bunch of kid-approved wraps to keep lunchtime feeling fresh. They’re healthy and easy to put together, so they’re a win for everyone. Keep reading to add these ideas to your school lunch arsenal.

Meatless Mondays

Introduce your kids to the magic of Meatless Monday with this wrap from The Wimpy Vegetarian. With protein-rich quinoa, black beans and hummus, it'll keep them full for hours. To get the recipe, click here.

Taste the Rainbow

Watch your kiddo’s eyes sparkle in anticipation as you prepare this radiant wrap-up. With red, orange, green, purple and a nice dollop of cheese for a creamy feel, it’s really like eating the rainbow. Super Healthy Kids suggests adding chives (full of nutrients!) for a burst of flavor. Click here to get more recipes.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon of chopped chives
1 wedge of laughing cow cheese
Red tomatoes and red bell peppers sliced thinly.
Orange Carrots and orange bell peppers, sliced thinly
Green avocados and green lettuce, sliced thinly.
Purple cabbage, sliced thinly.

Method
1. Combine chives and cheese and spread this over a whole wheat tortilla.
2. Fill the tortilla with crunchy and colorful veggies!

Hunger Squash-ing

This scrumptious panini is a pocket of sweet butternut squash, warm black beans and ooey gooey cheese. It’s guaranteed to fill those small bellies to the brim. Recipe master Pinch of Yum recommends grilling the wrap for a firmer hold. For more kid-tastic recipes, visit A Pinch of Yum.

Ingredients
3 cups chopped butternut squash, steamed or roasted
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup rinsed black beans
chopped scallions
whole wheat wraps
white crumbly cheese (feta, gorgonzola, cotija, etc.)

Method

1. Mix the first four ingredients together; season with whatever suits your fancy.

2. Place 1 cup of filling on a wrap, sprinkle with cheese, and fold it up.

3. Grill on a griddle or panini press.

Double Take on Tofu

Put these eggless salad wraps on the menu today! Lunchbox Bunch notes that steaming the tofu first brings a firmer, eggy bite. We love how this can be eaten cold (aka made the night before) as a real time saver. For more yummy vegan easts, visit Lunchbox Bunch.

Ingredients
18 ounces firm tofu, cubed and steamed - salted to taste
1/2 cup vegan mayo, aka Vegenaise
1/3 cup Dijon mustard (classic Grey Poupon is the best)
1/4 tsp cayenne powder
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp black pepper - fine
2 tsp seasoned rice vinegar
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion - Vidalia onions work best
also needed: 1 XL wrap tortilla, and greens (red leaf lettuce was used in the wrap seen below)

Method
1. Toss Well.
2. Chill.
3. Fill wrap and serve!

Hearty, Healthy and Homey

We often consider honey mustard to be the king of condiments. With Hungry Hannah's perfect balance of sweet, tangy and salty, drizzle it over your wrap of chicken and veggies and roll the wrap up tight to avoid sauce drippings on clothes. Satisfy that tummy rumble with more recipes at Hungry Hannah.

Ingredients
2 tsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp yellow mustard
3/4 tsp honey
1 whole wheat wrap
1 small breast grilled or baked chicken
2 slices of tomato
a small handful of fresh spinach (or lettuce)
1-2 tbsp shredded cheese

Method
1. To prepare the honey mustard sauce, whisk together the Greek yogurt, yellow mustard, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
2. Lay out your wrap on a flat surface and layer with chicken, tomato, spinach, and cheese.
3. Pour honey mustard sauce on top and roll up your wrap tightly.

A Blanket of Summer in a Wrap

With creamy avocados, crunchy lettuce, cheese and chicken all rolled up in the center, this California Chicken Wrap makes us miss summer already. Love Bakes Good Cakes' recipe is a fam fave for lunch or dinner, and there's always more meals to come—so shimmy over to her site for more food how-tos!

Ingredients
2 large flour tortillas, warmed
2 slices Monterey Jack cheese
8-12 thin deli-style chicken slices
A small handful of fresh spinach
1 small avocado, pitted and cut into slices
1 small Roma tomato, sliced
¼ cup Ranch dressing

Method
1. Layer the ingredients in the order given, dividing the ingredients evenly between the two tortillas.
2. Roll the tortilla up "burrito-style" around the ingredients.
3. To serve - Cut in half on a bias, if desired.

Beef Up and Roll

For that midday pick-me-up, Gather for Bread has the tastiest roast beef wrap recipe. Filled with cheese, spinach, tomatoes and roast beef, this wrap is best when heated in a panini press or grill pan so that the cheese melds everything together. Visit Gather for Bread for more mouthwatering delights.

Ingredients
1 tortilla
3-4 oz of deli-sliced roast beef
1 oz Havarti cheese, sliced
1 oil-packed sun dried tomato, chopped
1 handful of spinach
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1½ teaspoons mayonnaise
dash of oregano
dash of salt and pepper

Instructions
1. Heat panini press or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Meanwhile, mix together Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Spread down the center of the tortilla. Top with roast beef and cheese. Layer with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. Sprinkle with oregano, salt and pepper. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Salty and Sweet Delight

With a medley of sweet and salty flavors wrapped in a healthy tortilla, this lunch is made to dance in your little one's mouth. Bonus points to the sweet kernels that add a juicy pop in this roll-up.

Ingredients:
1 whole wheat tortilla
1 slice of ham
1/4 cup of corn, drained
Sliced red pepper
2 lettuce leaves, sliced
2 tablespoons of low-fat mayo

Method:
1. Spread mayo on the tortilla.
2. Arrange lettuce, red pepper, ham and corn (in the center) of the tortilla.
3. Roll up tightly and pack!

Jerk in the Right Direction

Here’s a paleo chicken lettuce wrap recipe that’s so packed with flavor that your kids will be begging for more. It’s super light, so kids won’t be falling into a food coma during school. We recommend using a big piece of lettuce and pinning it tight with a toothpick for less of a mess. Hop on over to eMeals for more healthy recipes.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
½ large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 heads Bibb lettuce

Method
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook 6 minutes or until onion is browned.
3. Stir in chicken, lime juice and Jerk seasoning; cook 3 minutes. Stir in thyme.
4. Separate lettuce leaves, and fill leaves evenly with chicken mixture.
5. Roll up, if desired.

— Christal Yuen

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Featured image: Pixabay via Pexels

The Best Online Baking & Cooking Resources for Families

by Karly WoodAugust 6, 2020

We’re all spending a little more time at home than usual and while technology most definitely can be a lifesaver, now is also a good time to instill important life skills in our kids, too. Teaching children to navigate the kitchen along with basic cooking and baking skills is not only useful, but fun! Keep scrolling to see how programs are offering little to no-cost ways to spend family time in the heart of the home.

CocuSocial

American Heritage Chocolate via Unsplash

CocuSocial is now offering virtual kids online cooking classes! All classes feature professional chefs and are centered around summer treats that include Creamsicles & Ice Pops, Easy Beachy Cupcakes, Rainbow Cake Pops, Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and more! Classes start at $15 and are offered in real-time for a true in-class feel.

Teuko

Sick of trying to find new recipes the whole family will enjoy? Teuko takes the guesswork out of finding the best accessories, recipes and ideas for getting everyone to eat healthy! The free community shares amazing lunch ideas, easy how-to's and ways to make mealtime fun on the Teuko blog.

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse

Want to spend time in the kitchen but not sure where to start? Mr. Holmes Bakehouse has you covered! Get the help and ingredients you need to whip up a living starter for the rest of your life with the Bread Starter Kit. The $25 box comes with all the ingredients and instructions to make a White Country Loaf with the entire fam. Mr. Holmes Bakehouse also offers a Chocolate Chip Cookie kit which makes 16-24 cookies, and twenty percent of all sales will be given back to participating PTAs and schools.

Food Literacy Center

Nonprofit Food Literacy Center is committed to bringing families together through food. The organization is currently offering tools that will help kids and parents learn to cook together, that include recipes, worksheets and lesson plans.

Bake Bread with King Arthur Flour

King Arthur wants kids to know how easy it is to bake bread! The company not only has an online tutorial perfect but a fun kids recipe booklet, too!

Delish Digital Cooking Classes

Join Delish's editorial director Joanna Saltz and her kids went live on Instagram every week day to share cook-along videos for the entire fam. You can catch all the videos on the Delish IGTV channel.

America's Test Kitchen

Head to America’s Test Kitchen Kids where all resources are free! Families can check out recipes, activities and experiments, plus daily lesson plans and videos. Don't miss out on the huge collection of free recipes, and visit their social sites where they'll be answering home cook questions.

Raddish Kids

Families can visit Camp Raddish to access free content including an at-home cooking camp program, recipes your kids can make with pantry staples and additional learning extensions across science, geography, language arts, and more.

Kids Cook Real Food

Kids Cook Real Food is the perfect way to get your kiddos up to speed in the kitchen. You can join as a VIP member for $150 and get 45 cooking lessons, or join for 12 months for just $50! Designed to build skills and not just follow recipes, Kids Cook Real Food is the perfect online cooking class for kids.

Tia Mowry's Quick Fix

Want to cook with a celeb? Tia Mowry's Quick Fix YouTube channel brings the family together with fun and easy recipes. Her channel is all about making quick work of life's daily dilemmas.

McCormick Flavor Maker App

We love the McCormick Flavor Maker app as a way to get a little kitchen inspiration and involve kids in the cooking process. Through the app, users can source new recipes, watch cooking tutorials, access articles on the latest food trends and track all their grocery needs in one place. Users are additionally able to scan McCormick herbs, spices and flavors to build their own digital pantry and get instant access to tips, related recipes, ingredients and nutritional information.

––Karly Wood

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These Are the Funniest Parenting Tweets of 2019

by Karly WoodDecember 31, 2019

This year has been one for the books and as we prepare to say goodbye to 2019, it’s impossible not to look back and see the humor in it all. From surviving winter and summer break to getting back into school schedules and wrangling toddlers, parenting was nothing if not a wild ride this last year. Keep scrolling to see some of the best tweets from this last year and get ready for all that 2020 is bound to bring.

1. A moment of silence.

https://twitter.com/LetMeStart/status/1080804291563139072?s=20

2. Same.

90% of my parenting is thinking about when I can lie down again.

— Bryony – Perfectly Imperfect (@BryonyAshaw) January 9, 2019

3. It totally counts.

I’ve never vacationed alone but I did get to go to the grocery store without my kids one time.

— Sarcastic Mommy (@sarcasticmommy4) January 15, 2019

5. When even their “inside voice” is too loud.

No one makes more observations than a child sharing a stall with his mother inside a public restroom.

— Mommy Owl (@Mommy__Owl) January 22, 2019

6. It’s an acquired taste.

Since becoming a parent I’ve really acquired a taste for coffee that’s been reheated 5 times.

— MyMomologue (@MyMomologue) January 30, 2019

7. Do as I say, not as I do.

“We don’t wear what we slept in out in public”

-Me, lying to my child

— AsKateWouldHaveIt (@KateWouldHaveIt) February 7, 2019

8. It’s quite the skill.

And for my next trick I'll turn my kids into starving, dehydrated philosophers who also need to pee a lot, by simply using these two magical words, "It's bedtime."

— The Real American Dadass (@R_A_Dadass) February 13, 2019

9. Always

As a parent, you do everything humanly possible to shield your children from Caillou. But they will find him. They will always find him.

— Erin De Boer (@erin_de_boer) February 18, 2019

10. Starting the day off right.

You know it's going to be a good day when you're putting the bedding into the washing machine at 3 in the morning…#parenting #dadlife #momlife

— Dadding Around (@DaddingAround) February 28, 2019

11. DATE NIGHT!

I’m going out on the town with my wife tonight so we can complain about how tired we are someplace else.

— WTFDAD (@daddydoubts) March 6, 2019

12. But seriously.

"There has just GOT to be a way to make my mornings with the kids more difficult."

– the person who came up with Daylight Savings Time

— the Mom TruthBomb (@momTruthBomb) March 11, 2019

13. We will make it––promise.

https://twitter.com/MommedRealHard/status/1107790346547855360?s=20

14. Because kids.

“Your hair is not a napkin” is something I say now, apparently.

— Mom.Whine.Repeat (@MomWhineRepeat) April 3, 2019

15. Honesty is always the best policy.

I’m a good person but…

I skip a lot of the words, in books I hate, when I read to my kids.

— Momsense Ensues (@momsense_ensues) April 24, 2019

16. It’s going to be amazing!

With summer coming, I can’t wait for family swim time where the kids try to drown me while my wife relaxes by the pool.

— The Dad (@thedad) May 20, 2019

17. Have kids, they said.

Let’s get married and have kids so instead of relaxing on the beach you can keep sand out of their mouth while I blow up a raft and they ask if there is a pool.

— Simon Holland (@simoncholland) June 18, 2019

18. Yep.

Family vacations are just day after day of your kid begging to go back to the hotel so they can swim in the pool.

— Abe Yospe (@Cheeseboy22) June 13, 2019

19. Are we there yet?

I've never wanted my life to simulate "The Oregon Trail" more than right now, while on a road trip with two whining kids and wishing for the sweet release of dysentery.

— A Bearer Of Dad News (@HomeWithPeanut) August 4, 2019

20. Slow and steady wins the race.

I decided to take my toddler for a walk around the block last week. We are almost home.

— Cydni Beer (@cydbeer) August 5, 2019

21. Technically that IS accurate so…

My 5 yo was helping me sort laundry and he saw my bra and said “Mom there’s your boob clothes!”

And now I’m going to forever call my bras “Boob Clothes”

— Mom.Whine.Repeat (@MomWhineRepeat) January 3, 2019

22. Maybe next year.

No thanks, "30 adorable lunch ideas for back to school."

— Simon Holland (@simoncholland) August 5, 2019

23. True happiness!

I thought I was happy and then I saw my toddler discover how pockets work and I realized I don’t know what happiness is.

— WTFDAD (@daddydoubts) September 13, 2019

24. Not it!

Arguing with my husband over whose turn it is to move the Elf is what this season is really about.

— Mommy Owl (@Mommy__Owl) December 4, 2019

25. The big man is totally on speed dial.

If you don't threaten to text Santa "right this minute" every 5 minutes, is it even Christmas?

— Salty Mermaid Entertainment (@saltymermaident) December 21, 2017

––Karly Wood

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15 Outrageously Funny Back-to-School Tweets

by Karly WoodAugust 26, 2019

You did it! You’ve crossed the finish line that is the end of summer and are sending your kiddos back to school. Whether you’re a first-time mom who’s wiping away a few tears or a seasoned parent cheering in celebration, here are a handful of tweets that are all about this most wonderful time of the year.

1. Maybe next year.

No thanks, "30 adorable lunch ideas for back to school."

— Simon Holland (@simoncholland) August 5, 2019

2. And a three, four…

Here’s a little song I wrote about kids being home for summer vacation it’s called “OMG WHEN DOES SCHOOL START“ and a one and a two

— Rodney Lacroix (@RodLacroix) July 10, 2019

3. Asking for a friend.

Why are cases of wine not a back to school essential?

— Kathleen (@sweatsntopknots) August 3, 2019

4. There will always be glitter.

[Years in the future, waving goodbye as our last child leaves for college]
ME: Did we ever get all the-
WIFE: No there’s still glitter in the carpet.

— The Dad (@thedad) August 5, 2019

5. Oh, happy day!

I'm at my most "morning person" on the first day of school.

— the Mom TruthBomb (@momTruthBomb) September 4, 2018

6. Happy birthday to ME!

The kids go back to school on my birthday so, no, I don't need any more gifts than that.

— Rodney Lacroix (@RodLacroix) August 12, 2019

7. Yes, yes you do.

Me: How was your first day of school?

5-year-old: Okay.

Me: I'm sure tomorrow will be better.

5: I have to go back?

— James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) August 12, 2019

8. Truth.

Back to school shopping looks a lot like I should have a second job. Or a trust fund.

— Mommy Needs A Life (@mom_needsalife) August 10, 2019

9. But they look so cute!

My daughter starts school in three days and my wife will be posting first-day-of-school pictures on facebook. LIES! It’s all LIES!

People, she took those on Saturday.

— Josh Spice (@tryptofantastic) August 18, 2019

10. 🙌

I don’t know who needs to hear this but your kids will be back in school soon.

— Dad and Buried (@DadandBuried) August 15, 2019

11. Enjoy it while it lasts, kids.

Kids go back to school tomorrow, so of course I'm packing thoughtful, well-balanced lunches for the first and last time this year.

— Amy Dillon (@amydillon) August 26, 2018

12. Let’s DO THIS.

Everyone's posting their cute "First Day of School" pics and I'm over here like….#FirstDayOfSchool #highschool #FirstDayOfSchool2019 pic.twitter.com/yNpqSwLHaP

— Bert the Strmtrpr (@BertTheStrmtrpr) August 14, 2019

13. Off to a great start!

Practicing for the first day of school by muttering "we're late," throwing cereal on the floor & making sure every outfit is the wrong one.

— Emme Reynolds (@TheEmmeReynolds) August 19, 2016

14. What? That’s not normal?

*makes celebratory snow angels on kitchen floor in piles of school supplies

— The 21st Century SAHM (@21stcenturysahm) August 6, 2018

15. So. Much.Labeling.

If anyone needs me, I'll be labeling school supplies from now until my kids graduate.

— Paige Kellerman (@PaigeKellerman) August 10, 2015

––Karly Wood

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22 Lunchbox Hacks That’ll Help You Survive the School Year

by Emily MyersAugust 8, 2019

Packing school lunches is a task almost as relentless as cooking dinner, and sometimes as thankless for even the savviest of foodie moms—which is why shortcuts and hacks are an essential survival tool. We’ve got 22 school lunch ideas that’ll take the panic out of the morning pack. Keep reading to see them all.

photo: Clean Eats & Treats

1. Prep Lunches Ahead of Time

Whether it’s doubling up a Sunday roast or spending some time getting ahead by cooking up a big chili dish, prepping before the school week gets underway can save you time and trouble. Check out these lunch box ideas for big cook-ups.

2. Use a Thermos

Try to get the kids eating from a thermos at least once a week; it’ll give you the option to reheat leftover soups, stews and rice dishes for lunch.

3. Keep the Thermos Warm Until Lunch

That genius idea to get kids to eat leftovers won’t be so genius if the food is cold by the time lunch rolls around. Instead, pour boiling water into the container and let it sit while you make the rest of the lunch. Then, dump the water and fill the Thermos with warmed-up food.

photo: Kathleen Franklin via Flickr

4. Freeze Your Lunches

Prepped ahead portions of pasta, frozen veg, and leftover chicken can be pulled from the freezer on a weekday morning for an instant lunch. It’ll be freshly defrosted by midday and keeps everything else cool.

5. Pack Non-Perishables ASAP

You’ll only have to focus on the sandwich/main meal/dairy portion in the morning.

6. Keep Single Serve Condiments

Single serve condiments from take-outs and restaurants don’t need to be ditched. Pop a packet of ketchup in to liven up the cut veggies or bacon bits.

photo: Real Mom Nutrition

7. The Rubber Band Trick

Apples are more likely to be eaten if they are cut up, and this rubber band trick will keep them from going brown. Or, use the Real Mom Nutrition suggestion of rubbing a combo of lemon juice and OJ or pineapple juice on the slices.

8. Wooden Spoons

Forget sending the little ones to school with metal spoons. Use wooden ones for pudding or yogurt, it’s more environmentally friendly than plastic and you don’t have to worry about lost utensils.

photo: Emily Myers

9. Food with Natural Containers

Work with nature—hard boiled eggs, bananas, and clementines are lunchbox friendly foods that come in their own organic containers.

10. Pinwheel Sandwiches

Pinwheel sandwiches are one of the easiest lunch box ideas (and can be frozen ahead of time). You can bet the kids will unravel what you’ve carefully rolled, but the good news is it will probably end up being eaten!

photo: Clean Eats & Treats

11. Set Up a Snack Station

Plenty of moms, including Shannon Sargent at Clean Eats & Treats, swear by the idea of “snack stations” where kids can pick out what they want. Dedicate a space in the fridge or pantry using toy storage bins, and pack it with snacks or use this genius hack, which reuses a hanging shoe organizer with see-through pockets as a snack wall.

12. Easter Eggs

Pop six plastic Easter eggs in an egg box, each one stuffed with something different like popcorn, sunflower seeds, granola or crackers.

photo: Boulder Locavore

13. Banana Lunch Notes

No Post-It note nearby? Scribble on a banana instead.

14. Mini Kebabs

Create a totem of fruit, veg, cheese squares, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, folded salami, micro sandwiches and more. Snip off the end of the skewer if you’re worried about anyone at the lunch table getting poked.

photo: courtesy Jill Nystol via One Good Thing

15. Pizza Cutter

Meal prep is awesome, but if you need to whip up a quick sandwich, grab a pizza cutter to slice off those crusts in seconds.

16. Family Chalkboard

Put lunchtime options on a chalkboard or family whiteboard so the kids can see what will be in their lunchbox.

17. Put the Lunchbag and Snacks within Reach.

Time is everything when it comes to the morning rush. Hang their lunchbags in plain view, with a caddy below, and your kids will be able to easily toss in the snack for their lunch. Take a peek over at Hi, Sugarplum to see how to make it happen.

18. Pack Chicken Nuggets in a Thermos

If you’re looking for fun kids school lunch ideas try cooking chicken nuggets in the morning and throw them in a thermos to keep them nice and toasty.

photo: Melissa via Flickr

19. Cupcake Liners As Dividers

Short on containers? Grab cupcake liners and use them to separate different items in larger plastic containers so you can have a sandwich, chips nuts and fruit in the same place.

20. Freeze Your PB & J

One of the easiest kids school lunch ideas is to make a week’s worth of frozen PB&J sandwiches. Use different jams, butters and even pieces of bread for variety.

photo: Miriam via Flickr

21. Frozen Smoothies with Extra Veggies

If your kids need an extra dose of veggies, try frozen smoothies. You can sneak veggies like beets and spinach into them.

22. Print Lunch Notes Every Month

If you want to give your kiddos a little extra encouragement without having to remember to write a note every morning try printing a bunch of them at the beginning of the month so you’ll have them on hand.

— Natasha Davis & Emily Myers

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Feature photo: Sarah Pflug via Burst

Lunchbox Hacks That'll Help You Survive the School Year

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15 Healthy Lunch Ideas to Make Again & Again

by writerredriMarch 10, 2017

Sorry to break it to you, but the PB&J had its day. Get inspired by these 15 lunch ideas that feature healthy wraps, bento-style eats and twists on cafeteria classics.

Back-to-School-Lunch-Guide-Asset-1_final

What are you packing for lunch these days? Did any of these ideas inspire you? Leave a comment below.

MyFitnessPal has helped thousands of people get and be healthy by providing great recipes, workout routines, and other important tips and information. The freeMyFitnessPal App tracks food and exercise, supporting people who want to lose weight or just be healthy.

featured photo: Sprig

Tips & Recipes to Live By for Easy Lunches From Jennifer Tyler Lee

by Erin LemSeptember 1, 2015

Now that your kids are back in school, give their mid-day meal a boost of awesome. Bay Area Mom turned cookbook-author Jennifer Tyler Lee is here to help you do just that. If her name sounds familiar you might’ve already played her nutrition game Crunch a Color, checked out her cookbook The 52 New Foods Challenge or heard influencers like Jessica Alba, Michael Pollan or Jamie Oliver sing her praises. Jen recently spoke to us about tips for packing lunches and gave us a sample of her favorite each lunch ideas. Check it out below.

3 Tips to Live By for Easy Lunches

• Follow a Formula: Three colors + one protein + one healthy grains = a better box. This simple formula is easy for kids and parents to remember, and makes for a playful and colorful box—one of the keys to lunch packing success.

• Kids Pick + Pack. Set up a kids’ snack drawer in your fridge and pack it with colorful fruits and veggies that are portable. Make it the kids’ job to pick their snacks and pack them. If they put it in the box, they’ll be more likely to eat it. Watch how Jen sets up her kids’ snack drawer by clicking here.

• Think Out of the Box: School lunches can be the worst offenders when it comes to processed and over packaged foods. Pick one category, like snack bars, and make them at home. You’ll find it’s a boost for your budget too.

Get Packing! The Scoop on Jen’s Favorite Lunch Ideas:

1, Lunch Crepes (pair with Apple Chips & Chocolate Rocket, below)
Rethink the classic PB&J sandwich. Pair Jen’s Healthy Crepes with sunflower butter, apples & jam, or tuck in bananas and Jen’s homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, for a fresh take on boring sandwiches.

2. Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pizza Bites (pair with Tomato Pops & Bitty Bites, below)
Pizza can be healthy too! This yummy nut-free basil pesto pizza is made with a whole-wheat crust and dressed up with pesto and pops of cherry tomato. Jen serves it bite-size for her kids’ lunches.

3. Tomato Pops (pair with “Chips” and Dips & Bitty Bites, below)
Caprese salad with a kid-friendly twist! These pint-size tomato-mozzarella skewers make fresh-picked cherry tomatoes even more fun to enjoy! Perfect for packing in a lunchbox.

4. Baked Apple Chips
These crunchy chips make a great lunchbox snack. Bonus: they’re an easy way to wean your kids off packaged snacks. Keep a big batch of these chips in a glass jar in your pantry to make it easy for you and your kids to grab when hunger strikes!

5. Bitty Bites
Nut-free + no-bake = A+ lunch snack. Jen’s Bitty Bites are a no-bake cookie made with sunflower butter. They are great as a lunchbox snack, after-school bite, or post-game energy recharger. Bonus: they are easy and fun for your kids to make. You don’t need to be exact with the measurements, which means you can give lots of creative freedom to your kids.

6. Power Bars (pair with Fruit Leather & Veggie Stir-Fry, below)
This homemade granola bar recipe gets its power from flaxseed. It is fun to make together and can easily be modified to feature your favorite fixings. These bars are crunchy and crumbly. When you’re done cutting them, the baking sheet will be filled with tasty chunks of granola— perfect for sprinkling over yogurt parfaits.

7. “Chips” and Dips
Dips are a great way to get kids to eat their veggies, and the lunchbox is no exception. Jen likes to pack James’ Guacamole or Healthy Homemade Hummus in small glass containers along with rainbow carrots sliced into coins like “chips.”

8. The Chocolate Rocket
This incredibly delicious chocolate pudding isn’t just for dessert. It’s a perfect lunchbox companion because it’s quick for kids to eat (with only a few minutes to eat you need to make those minutes count) and the healthy fats will keep them powering through the day.

10. Peach Fruit Leather
Homemade fruit leather is the perfect recipe for overripe seasonal fruit, especially peaches! Double the batch and make enough to share with friends. Everyone will want to trade lunches with you.

Which lunch idea will you try out? Do you have any more lunchtime tips for our community? Leave a comment below.

Heralded by Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution as “A mom and genius game creator helping kids eat fresh food!”, Jennifer Tyler Lee is an award-winning author, game creator, and healthy eating advocate. Jennifer has garnered national attention for her new family cookbook, The 52 New Foods Challenge, and her nutrition game, Crunch a Color®: The Healthy Eating Game, and developed a loyal following of parents and grandparents who tune in to her fast, easy, and delicious recipes each week.

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19 Local Mom (and Dad!) Blogs to Read NOW

by Koseli CummingsJune 30, 2015

Looking for local info on what to do and where to go with kids? Or maybe just some inspiration on how to look amazing doing it? Then this stable of Bay Area mom (and dad!) bloggers should definitely be on your radar (and saved on your bookmarks bar). Their sites are filled with helpful travel tips, product reviews, yummy recipes, destination guides and more. Three cheers for mom and dad bloggers!

1. Say Yes: Outdoor adventures, simply DIY, easy mom fashion, healthy recipes, and Northern California adventures make Liz Stanley’s lifestyle blog a fun daily read. Her Instagram photos celebrate traveling with kids, family, Northern California, and special daily moments that make it all worth it. Say Yes is uplifting and beautiful.

2. At-Home Dad Matters: Mike Heenan is a stay-at-home Dad of two daughters who’s opening eyes to what’s it’s like raising kids in San Francisco, finding a Dad community, and bucking preconceived notions of what a stay at home father does and doesn’t do. He also leads the SF Dads Group, a gangbusters meetup with over 240 dads that seeks to provide more events, resources, social outlets and services for men raising children in San Francisco. Go Dads!

3. Rookie Moms: These BFF bloggers, Heather and Whitney, are based in Berkeley—and everything they post— is “more fun than wiping someone’s tushy.” If you’re looking for fun, steady, interesting posts related to parenthood in general and occasional Bay-specific posts, you’ll love Rookie Moms. Their site is easy to search for what to do with kids in the Bay Area and they’re consistently clever and helpful on Twitter and Facebook.

4. Design Mom: Gabrielle Blair lives in Oakland with her husband and six children. She writes about motherhood, design, DIY, current topics, and living with kids on her blog Design Mom. You can read all about her travels, her home “the treehouse” and its renovations, and her various creative endeavors here. (She also has an active Facebook community with vibrant discussion.)

5. Hither & Thither: Both eye candy and super informative, Ashley Muir Bruhn’s blog is a perfect blend of down-to-earth and aspirational. She and her husband have blogged since 2009 but have lived in Davis, California for the last four years. She writes about traveling with and without kids, food (homemade granola bars) and drink (simple cocktails), living in California, design, and family. If you want fresh ideas of what to do with your kids on the weekend, or just want to browse beautiful imagery, we highly recommend Hither & Thither as a blog staple for Bay Area locals. You can also follow Hither & Thither on Facebook.

6. Daisy Tribe: Although it’s a new site, Daisy Tribe caught our eye with it’s large format images and posts focused on California style, good food, and local adventures. The more we learned about the group of women behind the blog and how passionate they are about sharing what they know and love about California, the more we loved what they’re doing. Bay Area locals will love posts like hidden restaurant gems in Berkeley and Albany and Sacramento Day Trips and followers can catch new posts on their active Facebook page.

7. Mama By the Bay: Real talk about motherhood, life in the Bay, and the ins and outs of imperfection. You’ll find this blogger passionate about supporting breastfeeding and formula-feeding in her viral I Support You campaigns, and candid about doing whatever works for you.

8. Our Urban Playground: Our Urban Playground is a lifestyle and family blog written by Jennifer Latch about raising a family in San Francisco. Jennifer has three girls and works as a commercial actor and multimedia artist. She’s all about making life more fun. (Always a good thing!)

9. Playground Dad: Advice for new dads, tech tips, kids and sports, and dad-approved products make Playground Dad an excellent resource for men navigating parenthood and beyond.

10. Fatherhoodish: A personal blog of a Hawaii-transplant in the Bay Area navigating new fatherhood and all its ups and downs. (Fatherhoodish is also looking for contributors.)

11. Marin Mommies: This is the go-to resource for parents and families living in Marin County. They highlight local events and what to do with kids, and also review local preschools, summer camps, and the best family-friendly restaurants. You can also buy/sell baby and children’s items in their active forum.

12. Coquette Maman: If you’re interested in fashion posts and product reviews, Coquette Maman is your blog. You can also catch the author on Racked SF.

13. Lunchbox Dad: Shaking up the kitchen and boring lunchboxes, Lunchbox Dad is a force. Grab lunch ideas and get inspired by the way he’s shaking up the stereotype of clueless Dads.

14. A Little Yumminess: Cooking with (and for!) kids has never looked so fun and colorful. Simran Singh and Stacie Dong are friends that share a passion for cooking and teaching others to cook. (Take their class at 18 Reasons.) Their blog features fragrant recipes from around the world that little ones will love to try.

15. Frog Mom: Laura Lathame culls outdoor destinations and fun fresh-air adventure for outdoorsy families. If you’re looking for a hike that’s great for kids, ways you can help the environment as a family, tips on nature journaling, or a trampoline in the trees, Frog Mom is your hub. (Tip: If you sign up for the free email newsletter, you get a free Outdoor Family Guide.)

16. The Mommy Files on SF Gate: Humorous and interesting posts on parenthood, current events, and the kid details.

17. Left Brain Craft Brain: It’s like DIY on steroids. Super science experiments and really cool crafts for the parent who swears they won’t make one more finger painting with their kids. Try play dough robots, computer deconstruction, and the biology of yogurt.

18. Family and Footprints: Family+Footprints seeks to inspire your family to see the world as one great adventure. From the great outdoors, to traveling, to world schoold, this blog shares all sorts of tips and advice on getting the most out of your family’s purposeful adventures. (If you sign up for the newsletter, you get a free guide with family travel tips.)

19. DIY.org: DIY is a safe online community for kids to discover new skills, meet friends who are geeks just like them, and be awesome. Kids create an avatar profile and build stuff as they explore and achieve new skills with other curious kids. Read more about how it works here. They also have real patches, DIY Camps, and a market. You can follow their awesome Facebook group here.

Did we miss your favorite Bay Area blog? Are you a Bay Area mom or dad bloggers? We’d love to hear about it. Link and share in the comments!

–Koseli Cummings

All images courtesy of the subjects.

12 Inspiring Foodie Parents to Follow on Instagram

by Selena KohngDecember 31, 2014

Gorgeous photos, easy scrolling — Instagram was made for busy parents. Make it your go-to when you’re scrambling for dinner ideas. You’ll find popular bloggers there, but also diehard foodies who exclusively “gram” and have thousands of fans. We rounded up some of our favorite foodie moms and dads. From first foods to full courses, freezer meals to farm-fresh, these parents are worth following.

1. Clean Eats Clean Treats
If you know what the “whole30” plan is, this mom is a must-follow. You can expect to find easy, totally doable dishes, many of which are “whole30” approved. Instructions and recipes are posted too, making it a one-click stop. She also posts toddler-friendly meals, healthy grocery finds, and bits and pieces of mom life that you’ll totally relate to. Get all her tips at Clean Eats Clean Treats.

photo: Clean Eats Clean Treats

2. Tracy Shutterbean
Her tagline is “food, photography, and pretty things”, which aptly sums up this gorgeous account. Food here ranges from simple to sophisticated, but attainable, not pretentious: think mushroom polenta bites, maple bourbon pumpkin butter, and toast with coconut butter and banana. Be on the lookout for a few school lunches here and there with charming notes written on masking tape. For a personal touch, she throws in cute kid pics and pretty shots of everyday finds. Drool over other pics at Tracy Shutterbean.

photo: Tracy Shutterbean

3. The Natural Nurturer
Plant-based dieters and hungry folks looking for inspiration, look no further. Every picture packs vibrant colors, from whole-wheat orzo and veggie salads to pineapple broccoli stir-fry. This preschool teacher with a preschooler of her own also shares snaps of her daughter’s packed lunches, farmer’s market hauls, and her personal journey of weight loss and healthy living. Get inspired at The Natural Nurturer.

photo: The Natural Nurturer

4. Nom Nom Paleo
Do this paleo blogger(and yourself!) a favor and follow her. She’s a popular blogger and cookbook author, but her Instagram feed is an untapped source of behind-the-scenes photos, quick pro tips, and the meals she eats while out and about. She makes paleo eating look doable, with easy recipes like crispy fried eggs cooked in ghee and sprinkled with furikake. Bonus: Look for her shout-outs to other bloggers and grammers — it means more foodie inspiration for you. Find out more at Nom Nom Paleo.

photo: Nom Nom Paleo

5. Real Food by Dad
A foodie dad with a penchant for comfort food is always a worthy follow. Just imagine; meatball-stuffed baked potatoes, “trashy” huevos rancheros, mini beef pot pies, and margarita popsicles. Periodic pics of adorable baby chub can’t hurt, either. P.S.: Set some money aside, because you’ll definitely want to buy a waffle maker after seeing what he cooks in his! Work up an appetite at Real Food by Dad.

photo: Real Food by Dad

6. Wildely Raw
Next time you feel like a slacker, turn to this mom of three-under-three for inspiration. Her positive attitude is a breath of fresh air and her many smoothie and “nice” cream (“ice cream” made from frozen bananas) recipes will help you and your kiddos eat healthy without missing dessert. Expect to find a few dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free recipes, too, like her recent pumpkin bread or vegan banana chocolate chip muffins. Get the goods at Widely Raw.

photo: Wildely Raw

7. Easy Lunchboxes
If you’ve ever pinned a bento lunch on Pinterest, we’ll bet it’s made in an Easy Lunchbox. The CEO is both mom and social media maven; be sure to follow this account to check out her oft reposted follower-packed lunch ideas ranging from kiddo bentos to work lunches. She’ll even show you how to pack up leftovers. Since she reposts so frequently, you’re bound to stumble upon even more Instagrammers to follow. Get a fresh start on lunch at Easy Lunchboxes.

photo: Easy Lunchboxes

8. Coco Cake Land
Sometimes — okay, often — a picture of to-die-for cuteness just makes your whole day. This blogger makes the most adorable desserts, hands down. The smiles on her expertly piped cakes in the shapes of cows, cats, frogs, and pineapples are contagious. Instagram purists may not dig clicking links to external sites, but you won’t be able to resist the urge to check out her tutorials. Indulge in your sweet tooth at Coco Cake Land.

photo: Coco Cakeland

9. Kevin Blankenship
This dad’s pancake game puts our best sketches to shame. And quite honestly, we can’t be offended because he’s just that good. You name it, he’s pancaked it: Rainbow Dash, Pikachu, Wolverine, and yes, Elsa. Quite a few creations are the result of fan requests, so start getting friendly and he might just whip up your, er, your kid’s, favorite character. Flip over these pancakes at Kevin Blankenship.

photo: Kevin Blankenship

10. Chaaaboou
Totally under the radar and almost totally in Japanese, this unassuming account is captivating. Maybe it’s the effortless beauty of the first-stage purees she posts, in teardrop bowls and English text labels (rice porridge, sweet potato, and cabbage are recent faves). Or maybe it’s the pictures of her chubby-cheeked baby adorned with the finest of emoticons. Either way, if you’re a minimalist with a baby just starting out on solids, you’ll find this fellow mom inspiring. Discover a hidden gem at Chaaboou.

photo: Chaaaboou

11. Mama Pak’s Kitchen
If breakfast is your favorite meal, Mama Pak will be your daily go-to. Photogenic food like banana pecan muffins and peach croissant French toast create a feast for the eyes. Scroll long enough and you’re bound to pick up her artful but easy tricks, like arranging fruit in neat rows or perching a poached egg atop some avocado toast in that effortless-but-chic, European bed-and-breakfast kind of way. Savor some amazing shots at Mama Pak’s Kitchen.

photo: Mama Pak’s Kitchen

12. How About Cookie
Molding food into cute shapes is all the rage right now, but chances are you’ve muttered “Who has time for that?” a couple times. Or five. How About Cookie keeps it easy and doable, letting the food itself shine through. Her creative takes on standard fruits and veggies just might make you a food art believer, and photos of bento lunches — mostly without the cute element — will give you a ton of ideas when you’re stuck in a lunch-packing rut. Check it all out at How About Cookie. {Editor’s note: As it happens, the mastermind behind this feed wrote this story for us. Not only is she a genius, but she’s super-humble, so we had to twist her arm to include her in this roundup — it wouldn’t be the same without her!}

photo: How About Cookie

Do you have any fave foodie finds on Instagram? Share with us in the Comments!

— Selena Kohng

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