Non-Toxic Dad News: August 29, 2024

Many bright and colorful lunchboxes at big box stores are a masterclass in "how to make meals toxic." The covers are often made of plastic, which can contain heavy metals. Open that lunchbox up, and you'll find even more plastic—water bottles and food containers that expose your kids to hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA and BPS, as well as microplastics.

Even if a product is labeled BPA-free, it doesn't mean it's free from other harmful chemicals. And if you're warming up their food in those plastic containers, you're adding to the toxicity.

So, how can you ensure that your child’s lunch is packed in a non-toxic way?

One of the best options is PlanetBox, which offers one of the most non-toxic lunchboxes. The water bottles, utensils, and food containers are all stainless steel. While newer versions use silicone lids, older ones use stainless steel lids, making it easy to swap out—or just avoid putting hot foods in the newer containers with silicone lids.

The outside lunchbox is made of polyester, but the company has confirmed that this outer layer uses toxin-free dyes and is lead-free and BPA-free.

If you want a completely plastic-free option, you can build your lunchbox using stainless steel containers like UPTRUST Stainless Steel Bento Box and send them to school in 100% organic cotton bags.

With your child's lunch now free from toxins, the only thing left to add is a motivational note to brighten their day.

Stay committed to making healthy, non-toxic choices for your family.

This newsletter contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I trust and believe will add value to your non-toxic lifestyle.

As the back-to-school season approaches, many parents are focused on packing healthy lunches for their kids. But what if the lunchboxes themselves are making your child’s meal toxic? It’s a concern many don’t consider, but the reality is that many of the bright and colorful lunchboxes you find at big box stores are loaded with harmful substances that could be putting your child’s health at risk.

Bath towels are essential daily, but did you know they could hide harmful bacteria like E. coli and coliform? Even more alarming, towels kept in humid areas can harbor bacteria such as MRSA, potentially leading to serious infections. It’s time to rethink your bath towel-washing routine to protect your health.

Rice Krispie Treats are a nostalgic snack many of us fondly remember from childhood. They’re gooey, sweet, and easy to make, so they’ve become a staple in many homes and lunchboxes. However, the pre-packaged versions in stores today are far from the homemade treats your mom might have made. These store-bought snacks are packed with harmful ingredients that can have serious long-term effects on your health and your children’s health. Before you toss a box of Rice Krispie Treats into your shopping cart, it’s important to take a closer look at what’s really inside them.

Looking to pack a lunch that fuels your child’s day without relying on processed foods? Here are three high-protein, high-fat, and processed food-free lunch ideas that will keep your child satisfied and energized:

1. Turkey and Avocado Wraps

• Use a large lettuce leaf or a coconut wrap as the base.

• Fill with organic sliced turkey or grass-fed beef, avocado, and grass-fed cheddar.

• Add some organic cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices on the side for crunch.

2. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Veggie Sticks and Hummus

• Pack a couple of pasture-raised hard-boiled eggs as a protein-packed main.

• Include organic fruit and veggies on the side.

3. Greek Yogurt Parfait with Nuts and Berries

• Choose full-fat, grass-fed organic Greek yogurt as the base.

• Layer with fresh organic berries and some chopped organic nuts

• Avoid sweetened granola and opt for unsweetened coconut flakes.

These lunch ideas are easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and free from processed ingredients, ensuring your child stays focused and fueled throughout the school day.

This recipe uses homemade mayo made with organic avocado oil. This high-protein, healthy-fat dish is perfect for school lunches or a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

For the Homemade Avocado Oil Mayo:

• One large egg (preferably pasture-raised)

• One tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

• One teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• One cup organic avocado oil

For the Tuna Salad:

• Two cans of Safe Catch Canned Tuna (drained)

• 1/4 cup organic diced celery

• 1/4 cup organic diced red onion

• 1/4 cup organic diced pickles or capers (optional for extra flavor)

• Two tablespoons organic chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Lettuce leaves or coconut wraps for serving

Instructions:

For the Homemade Avocado Oil Mayo:

1. Combine the egg, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sea salt in a tall, narrow container (perfect for an immersion blender).

2. Pour in the avocado oil on top of the other ingredients.

3. Place an immersion blender at the bottom of the container, then turn it on and slowly bring it up through the ingredients. The mayo should begin to emulsify and thicken as you blend. This process takes about 1-2 minutes.

4. Once thickened, transfer the mayo to a jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week.

For the Tuna Salad:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, flake the SafeCatch tuna with a fork.

2. Add the diced celery, red onion, pickles or capers (if using), and fresh herbs.

3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the homemade avocado oil mayo to the tuna mixture. Stir until well combined. Adjust the amount of mayo-based on your desired creaminess.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve the tuna salad in organic lettuce leaves or coconut wraps for a wholesome, non-toxic meal.

Thank you for reading this week’s Non-Toxic Dads Weekly newsletter edition! I hope these tips and recipes help you pack nutritious, non-toxic lunches that your kids will love. Wishing everyone a non-toxic, healthy, and happy school year!