Many know Ashley Hawk as a mom influencer and lifestyle expert often seen on TV sharing fun, family-friendly health tips.
While she loves making a good kidcuterie board, her advice comes with serious credentials—Ashley is a registered dietitian with a master's in nutritional science and the author of "How Healthy Happens for New Moms".
As a mom of two, she knows the juggle is real, and she's made it her mission to help other busy families live well by finding the best products, recipes, and feel-good solutions that make healthy living feel less like a chore—and a lot more doable.
Ashley joined us to share how to make five school lunches in under five minutes!
Tip #1: Plan ahead and double up on dinners you can serve the next day as lunch.
Lunch ideas that incorporate this:
Pasta Salad – Add Libby's 4oz carrots and peas for an easy veggie boost.
Chili – Stir in corn and pack in a thermos for next day's lunch. (Broll video attached)
Tip #2: Apply meal prep to lunches and learn into making things the night before.
Lunch ideas that incorporate this:
Sunflower Butter Sandwiches – Make a batch ahead and freeze individually.
Egg Muffins or Mini Frittatas – Bake once, store in fridge for quick grab-and-go.
Tip #3: Let kids help pack lunch.
Lunch ideas that incorporate this:
Bento Box with Grab-and-Go Items – Keep a "lunch box" stocked with waffles, fruit, cheese, and veggie sides so kids can assemble their own.
Ashley also suggests mixing fresh, frozen and shelf-stable canned veggies, frozen fruit and fresh produce to keep lunches balanced and budget-friendly.
She says stock a "Lunch Zone" in the fridge or pantry. Designate a spot where grab-and-go items live (cheese sticks, fruit cups, mini crackers) so kids and adults can pack quickly without hunting for ingredients.
You can learn more at AshleyHawkRD.com and @AshleyHawkRD.
