Tiny Spoon Chef Blog

Lunchtime made easy with these chef hacks

Written by Tiny Spoon Chef | Aug 18, 2025 4:45:00 AM

Written by Chef Bernadette

As a mother and a personal chef who has spent years helping busy families and professionals with stress-free eating, I know firsthand how hard it can be to get healthy meals on the table or into a lunchbox every day. Here are some of my favorite ways to prep healthy, school lunches for your kiddos as they head back to school. 

Superfood Start to the Day

Smoothies

For the early risers who enjoy extra snoozes in the morning, that first meal of the day needs to be quick, nutrient-dense, and delicious. Smoothies are a great option to have on the go, include a full serving of fruits and vegetables and energize you for the day. My go-to blend includes frozen banana, spinach, yogurt, oats, and whatever seasonal fruit or vegetable odds and ends I have around. Smoothies are packed with superfoods and supported gut health, which is exactly the kind of simple, balanced meals I now create for my healthy meal prep clients.

 

The Midday Meal Challenge

Like many parents, I wondered if my daughter  actually ate what I packed. (Spoiler:  she later confessed that they often traded lunch items in her middle school cafeteria 🙄.) Here are three chef-curated lunches that reflect the same approach I take in my weekly meal prep service in NYC: chef-curated, nutrient-packed meals that both kids and adults will actually eat, and make family life easier.
 
White Rice with Shelled Edamame, Cooked Salmon, & Furikake, side of Dried Tart Cherries & Grapes 
 
    • Any leftover grain or protein works here—simple meals like this are both satisfying and great for a balanced diet.
    • Furikake is a blend of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and spices that makes anything taste it’s from Nobu

Seared Gyoza with Soy Sauce and Vinegar + Clementines 

    • Easy healthy lunch that travels well
    • Add a splash of soy sauce and vinegar for easy dipping sauce 
    • Use frozen gyoza for easy prep 
Salami, Mozzarella & Basil Spinach Pesto on Sourdough with Side of Slice Apples

    • Sliced apples are a lunchtime staple.
    • A handful of spinach is an easy way to sneak extra greens into the pesto for a subtle anti-inflammatory boost.

 

Packing Lunch with Care

I’m nostalgic for those hectic mornings. We all do the best we can as busy families and busy professionals, but sacrificing nutritious meals should not be part of our agendas. If mornings still feel like a scramble in your house, consider giving yourself the gift of personal chef service or healthy meal prep. A custom meal prep plan can take the pressure off, keep your family well-fed, and help you enjoy more stress-free eating, with or without a kid heading off to college.


Book your consultation today to learn more!

 
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