{"id":1509,"date":"2026-08-18T22:52:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T22:52:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.littlespoon.com\/spoon-fed\/?p=1509"},"modified":"2026-08-19T18:00:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T18:00:56","slug":"chef-jess-packs-lunch-0826","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.littlespoon.com\/spoon-fed\/chef-jess-packs-lunch-0826\/","title":{"rendered":"What Chef Jess Packs in Her Kids’ Lunchboxes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Some days I still feel like a teen mom, except my teen self could take on the world with a standard PSL in hand, and these days, that much sugar would give me a hangover. So fall kickoff now looks like an iced americano with one pump of pumpkin spice, just enough for the nostalgia, while I load up my cart with 8-packs of crayons for one kid’s school supply list and search every aisle for the highly requested character backpack for the other. <\/span>This is a big one for our family: both of my kids will be in elementary school this year, with ZERO daycare on the calendar. That’s one big milestone for this mom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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We added something new to our family’s fall traditions this year\u2014we teamed up with a local community group to fill backpacks for neighbors in need. I truly believe it’s never too early to incorporate giving back into your family’s traditions. Bring the kids to the store and let them pick out supplies to donate!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

My Fall Favorites<\/span><\/h2>\n

Okay, I know it sounds basic, but really, can you get any better than a smooth, rich pumpkin puree you can blend and mix into everything this time of year? It’s naturally sweet, and it’s packed with vitamin A, antioxidants and fiber.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Speaking of fiber, let me get on my soapbox for a second: it keeps digestion moving smoothly, it feeds the good bacteria in your gut, it helps you (and your kids) stay fuller longer so you’re not raiding the pantry an hour later and it helps keep energy steadier instead of that sugar spike-and-crash. <\/span><\/p>\n

Our <\/span>Veggie Chili <\/span><\/a>plate was designed around packing in as much fiber as possible. 6 grams in one meal! Our <\/span>Apple Banana Greens Smoothie<\/span><\/a> brings another 2 grams, and\u2014wait for it\u2014the new Pumpkin Spice YoGo has 3 grams of fiber! <\/span>Other favorite produce this time of year is apples, thyme, and Tuscan kale. Remember, massaging kale breaks down those fibers, transforming the leaves into something far more pleasant to eat!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My #1 lunchbox packing rule<\/span><\/h2>\n

Less a recipe, more a chant\/checklist: <\/span>One to grow, one to chew, one to smile, one for you.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n