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September 2022
Back to School = Fresh Start for Nutrition

I still get a tingle of nostalgia that comes with each new school year, even though my boys are no longer little. Their eager smiles to start the next grade matched my own for what always felt like a fresh start. As parents, we want to do all we can to support our children's success in school. Even though helping with math homework wasn't my forte, my super power was fueling my boys' bodies and minds to keep up with their growth, development, and activity levels. A healthy diet is linked with better academic development, so I filled their lunchboxes with nutrient-rich, whole plant foods to meet their energy needs and keep them satisfied without the usual sugar- and sodium-laden packaged foods. Don't get me wrong—my kids were no strangers to treats. But there were always more healthy whole foods in the lunchbox. Today, my grown boys are quick to snub a bag of chips and grab an apple or handful of nuts instead. Mission accomplished!

Even if you don't have kids at home, you can use this time of year to reset your own lunchtime health habits. That's why I'm kicking off September with that same back-to-school fresh start by focusing on my own lunches. It's easy to lose sight of eating a healthy midday meal when work is so busy. But just like kids, we perform and feel better too. I hope you'll join me and follow along this month as I post healthy, plant-based lunch options…for kids and their parents too!

Spicy Hummus Veggie Tacos
Think beyond the sammie for lunches, such as this super simple Spicy Hummus Veggie Tacos recipe.

Top Tips to Pack the Best Plant-Based Lunches for Back to School

Balance It. Include a protein, whole grain, veggie, and fruit option to cover your nutrient needs. This Southwest Black Bean Mango Salad has all of those in one packable bowl.
Prep Ahead. Any chopping, slicing, or packaging done in advance saves time and makes for easier mornings. Many healthy plant-based options are pre-prepped and packaged for you at the grocery store for an even more time-saving option.
Box it Bento-Style. A lunchbox with fillable containers streamlines packing. All you do is add foods and close the lid. No separate, wasteful packaging. Eat, wash, dry, fill, repeat.
Wrap it Up. There are so many yummy plant-based foods that taste better wrapped in a tortilla or flatbread like lavosh. Combinations are limitless, but classic hummus and veggies or PB & J never disappoint. Change up the tortilla with whole grain pita, bread, or bagel halves.
Involve the Kids. Kids know what they like, so let them choose their own fruits, veggies, nuts, sandwich, dip, or dessert. Next up, have them help or pack lunch themselves.

With Gratitude,

Back to School Never Tasted Better
Looking for a little inspiration and something new to brighten everyone's lunch hour? My collection of 15 Plant-Based Back to School Recipes is sure to please!

Pack Eco-Friendly Lunches
Start the year with lunches that are healthy for the planet too. Check out my favorite lunch gear in Top 20 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Gear Shopping Guide.

HuffPost Quotes Me on Protein-Packed Beans!
I share why it's one of the best bangs for your protein buck in 6 Of The Cheapest Proteins You Can Buy Right Now.

I Share Tips on Choosing the Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Service at MindBodyGreen.
With so many options, here's what you need to know to make the best choice: The 6 Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services of 2022.

Instagram Back to School Giveaway!
Enter my fabulous Back to School giveaway for a chance to win some amazing prizes, valued at $100! This giveaway will run until Sept 8. ⁠⁠US entries only. Click here to enter today!

Join Me for a Live Event + Cooking Demo.

I'm partnering with KAMUT Khorasan Wheat Wednesday September 14 11 AM PT to discuss the nutrition and scientific benefits of incorporating whole grain KAMUT into your daily diet. Register for the webinar here.

Oldways Webinar on Food Photography
Looking to enhance your food photography skills? Join me at this FREE webinar September 8 at 2 PM ET. Register here today!

Rooted Santa Barbara Webinar + Live Cooking Demo!
Join me for this FREE webinar Sept 20 at 5:30 PM PT as I show you how to help fight disease with plants. I'll also be cooking live in my own kitchen. Don't miss this exciting disease-fighting, virtual event. Click here to register.

Instagram Plant-Powered
Live Show
This month I'm talking about cooking with kids, and I'll be mixing up my Easy Vegan Mac & Cheese with Peas. Join me on my Plant-Powered Live Cooking Show on Instagram September 8 at 3 PM PT @SharonPalmerRD and cook along with me!

California Vegan is Live!
I'm so excited to announce that my latest book, California Vegan, is getting lots of positive buzz and is available across the nation: Amazon, Apple, and my site. Get yours today!

About Sharon
Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RD is The Plant-Powered Dietitian. She is an award-winning food and nutrition journalist based in Ojai, California. Sharon speaks, writes, and blogs about her passion for delicious, healthful, sustainable plant-based foods every day. Check out her three books, and don't forget to follow Sharon on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter, and her blog. If you'd like to work with Sharon, please contact her here.