Low-Waste Lunchboxes

"One of the hardest things we haven’t been able to tackle is our kids' snacks: we still end up using a good amount of single use plastic wraps. Do you have any ideas?"

Citing convenience, ultraprocessed foods are often sold in single-serve packs. But such snack and lunch items are overpriced (you're literally paying for that extra plastic!); they're also often unhealthy for both people and the planet.

I get it: We're overtired and overstressed, and packing wholesome foods can feel like yet another daunting chore. That's why on today's show I answer a listener's question about how to pack low-waste lunchboxes without the extra stress (dozens of food ideas included!).

Here's a preview:

[1:30] What recent research says about the health effects of ultraprocessed foods on human health

[7:00] The premiums we pay for foods packaged in single-serve plastics

[11:30] 5 quick tips for managing picky eaters

[17:30] The Bento Box route versus the traditional lunchbox: pros, cons, and gear recommendations

[24:00] 30+ low-waste lunchbox ideas

Resources mentioned:

Episode #173: How To Simplify Picky Eating

Leeann's FREE virtual event signup

Eating Processed Foods Tied to Shorter Life (via NY Times)

Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Participants of the NutriNet-Santé Prospective Cohort (via Journal Of The American Medical Association)

Homemade Cereal Bars (recommended by listener Elsa)

Say hello! Email Stephanie at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at (857) 264-1967 (US and Canada listeners only)

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Lunchbox gear that listeners love:

Lunchbots stainless steel Bento Box (recommended by Lauren)

Planet Box stainless steel Bento Box (recommended by Elsa)

Sistema plastic containers (recommended by Sara)

Packit lunchbox (recommended by Sara)

Reusable sandwich container, preferably stainless steel (recommended by Patricia)

Wean Green reusable glass containers (recommended by yours truly)

Foogo thermos (recommended by yours truly)

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