What CAN I Eat for Lunch? Real Food Ideas for Real-Life Moms | Ep 85

We’re back with the second installment of our re-recorded “What CAN I Eat For…” series—this time tackling the midday meal that every mom dreads: lunch. Whether you homeschool, pack co-op meals, or just find yourself throwing random snacks on a plate at 12:42 pm, this episode is your honest, nourishing reset.

 

We’re sharing what’s actually working in our homes, how our lunch routines have evolved over time, and why “just a sandwich” doesn’t cut it when it comes to energy, focus, and blood sugar. From protein-fat-fiber balance to school lunch hacks and feeding growing kids (again), this episode is full of real talk and realistic ideas to help your family thrive—without turning lunch into another stress point.

 

🥪 Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Why lunch is often the most overlooked (and under-planned) meal

✔️ How to build a nourishing, satisfying lunch with what you have

✔️ The three elements every lunch should include (especially for kids)

✔️ Our go-to lunch staples: from meat and olives to soup and sourdough

✔️ What to pack for school, co-op, and long errands

✔️ Why “just crackers and cheese” won’t hold your kids over

✔️ How to transition kids away from high-sugar, low-protein lunches

✔️ Tips for batch prepping lunch proteins and fallback meals

✔️ The connection between lunch quality and afternoon meltdowns

✔️ Why it’s okay to feed your kids the same thing three days in a row

 

⏱️ Chapters for This Episode

00:00 – Intro: Why Lunch Is the Most Overlooked Meal

05:15 – What We’re Actually Eating for Lunch Right Now

12:30 – The Real Reason “Crackers & Cheese” Doesn’t Cut It

18:45 – Building a Balanced Lunch: Protein, Fat & Fiber

25:10 – How We Pack Lunches for School, Co-ops & Errands

32:20 – Feeding Kids Through Growth Spurts, Activities & Big Appetites

40:30 – Batch Prepping Lunch Staples Without the Burnout

48:15 – The Impact of Lunch on Afternoon Meltdowns & Focus

56:00 – How to Simplify Lunch (Even If It’s Repetitive)

 

🧠 More About This Series: We originally recorded a full “What CAN I Eat For…” series in 2022—covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, and drinks. These episodes have remained some of our most listened-to, so we’re re-recording them with better audio, fresh perspective, and everything we’ve learned since. This week is all about lunch—because moms need help here too.

 

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Real Food Real Families course: (https://nourishthelittles.com) (Code NTL10 for 10% off)

📍 Corey’s Cookbooks: (https://www.fornutrientssake.com/shop) (Code MAM15 for 15% off)

📍 Christine’s lunchbox go-to’s: meat sticks, cheese cubes, raw veggies, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, soaked muffins, sourdough grilled cheese

📍 Bento box recs and tools coming to Instagram!

 

✨ Featured Products & Brands:

Masienda (https://masienda.com) | Code MAM10 for 10% off | Try their heirloom masa for tostada-style lunches

Seatopia (https://seatopia.fish) | Code ANCESTRALMAMA for 10% off | Christine loves their Sashimi Date Night box

Farrow (https://farrow.shop) | Code ANCESTRALMAMAS for 10% off | Our morning and midday skincare go-to

One Degree Sprouted Bread | Available online or at natural grocery stores

 

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe if lunch stresses you out and you’re trying to do better

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What’s your go-to lunch when you have zero energy or groceries?

 

📲 Stay Connected:

@fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas