In a Nutshell:

Healthyish Banana Muffins

I love making a big batch of low-sugar banana muffins (topped with a few chocolate chips, of course). Easy to grab and run, and I feel good that my kids are eating something nutritious!

Mix 1¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and ¹⁄₂ tsp salt in a bowl. Add ¹/₃ cup melted butter or oil, 3 mashed bananas, ³⁄₄ cup sugar, and 1 egg and mix well. Scoop into muffin cups, sprinkle a few chocolate chips over each muffin, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. They freeze beautifully.

—Shana Halpert

FT, Help Me!!

What snacks do you send with your kids to school that aren’t too unhealthy?

Popcorn and applesauce pouches! Gogo Squeez recently came out with a “Squeez Big” version that has an extra ounce in each pouch!

—Esti Vago

I just discovered that Drizzilicious snacks are actually quite healthy! They’re made with chia, quinoa, and flax. I buy the flavors with vanilla drizzle so my toddler doesn’t get covered in chocolate when he eats them. (I wish they’d make some savory options too.)

—Mindy Spiro

Just Sayin’

What fruits or vegetables do your kids actually eat, and how do you send them?

My kids aren’t huge on whole fruit, so I send them with cut-up mango, blueberries, and pomegranate seeds as much as I can, in a small container so they won’t get ruined in their knapsacks. Most of my kids are okay with clementines when they’re in season too. There’s always cucumbers if we’re feeling desperate. By week two, you can also find me sending Veggie Straws and hoping the teachers aren’t judging too harshly.

—Michal Frischman

Review It!

I love using these 5-ounce disposable containers for packing snacks and lunches. I find myself reaching for them more often than I would have imagined. They’re a great size for grapes, olives, or even a sliced hard-boiled egg.

—Chanie Nayman

My favorite leak-proof water bottles are the Contigo AutoSeal ones. There’s no straw or spout to get moldy and no need for kids to remember to close them properly. They have many color and size options to choose from and insulated versions as well. They have a cap to keep the lid clean and a carry handle, and most fit in a cup holder.

—Esti Vago

Ok, Quick:

Any great breakfast ideas for the kids to eat as a quick sit-down meal or grab-and-go?

Breakfast bars, waffles, or prepackaged pancakes that heat up in the microwave, and good ol’ cereal and milk.

—Devorah Cohen

Here are some ideas in our rotation: Yogurt and homemade granola, avocado and melted cheese wraps, sandwiches in the sandwich maker, cottage cheese and whole wheat crackers, and rice cakes and cheese.

—Chaya Perel Nojowitz

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 858)