They say September is the new January for meal planning — and when it comes to packing lunches, January often feels like September. If you’re ready for fresh ideas, practical inspiration, and simple organization to help your kids eat well all day, this interview is full of helpful takeaways.
Georgia Harding, a naturopath and busy mom from Queensland, Australia, speaks with warmth and practical experience about feeding children well. Her tips focus on real food, easy routines, and strategies that work for families with limited time or picky eaters.
In this interview you’ll find:
- A clear definition of S.L.O.W. foods and why they matter
- Practical ideas of what to include in a lunchbox and simple routines to make packing manageable
- Planning and prep strategies that make healthy lunches do-able for busy families
Georgia’s Healthy Lunchbox eBook was used during the interview (my daughter even made homemade teddy grahams from it).
Can’t see the video? Click to watch “Master School Lunch Packing” on YouTube.
No time to watch the full video? Here are concise notes to guide you through the main points.
School Lunch Planning Video Time Stamps
- 0:18 — Introduction to healthy school lunches with Georgia Harding, naturopath and mother of two.
- 0:46 — Georgia shares her personal health story and how it led her toward naturopathy and food-focused wellness.
- 2:17 — After her second child started school, Georgia moved from clinical practice into blogging to share her passion for cooking and nourishing families.
“Mooooom, I’m hungry!!”
Kids ask for snacks constantly. Empowering them to prepare their own snacks reduces reliance on you and helps build confidence in the kitchen.
Download and print:
Get the Snacks Now!
How to Find Healthy Foods
- 4:17 — Georgia explains S.L.O.W. foods: in Season, Locally grown, Organic, and Whole foods. Choosing these where possible supports flavor and nutrition.
- 6:48 — For families in colder climates or long winters, she discusses sourcing the freshest available options when local produce is limited.
- 8:36 — Georgia’s recipes include many easy substitutions for food sensitivities and preferences, designed to build cooking confidence for parents and kids alike.
I really want to build confidence around cooking. – Georgia Harding, ND
- 11:34 — Georgia describes how her naturopathic training shapes a holistic view of food as central to health.
You can be taking the best herbs and supplements, but if you’re not eating well then it’s going to be really hard to maintain good health…it’s impossible really. – Georgia Harding, ND
- 12:55 — Everyone’s needs change over time. There’s no single perfect diet for every person; what works for one family might not suit another.
Packing Healthy School Lunches
- 16:10 — The goal is to make whole foods the everyday norm. Georgia offers tips for packing balanced, whole-food lunches that are appealing to kids.
- 17:09 — She shares a template and method for packing lunches, with practical examples that make assembly quick and repeatable.
- 18:48 — Georgia usually includes a real-food treat in lunchboxes and explains how this practice helps keep lunches satisfying without relying on processed snacks.
- 20:16 — Her recipes are adaptable for children with sensitivities — many families find her ideas useful for dairy- or gluten-sensitive kids.
- 21:02 — For children resistant to vegetables, she offers conversational techniques and creative ways to introduce new foods without pressure.
- 24:25 — Practical planning: cook extras at dinner for easy leftovers, prepare a simple protein while making supper, and keep dependable standbys like canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or pre-chopped veggies on hand.
- 26:03 — Lunch packing becomes routine. Pack lunches the night before while cleaning up dinner to save morning stress.
- 26:40 — If lunches come back uneaten or are discarded, investigate why with your child and problem-solve together: packaging, preferences, portion sizes, or social factors can all play a role.
- 28:16 — Georgia’s top tip for feeding families well is to focus on consistency, gentle encouragement, and routines that make healthy choices the easy default.
Kids don’t need plastic knives. They need real skills.
Teach safe technique, focus, and confidence in a popular kids’ cooking lesson (ages 2–12).
Georgia Harding, ND is a naturopath and mother of two who champions fresh, whole food and realistic family routines. Her straightforward approach and tasty recipes help families eat well without overwhelm.
Resources Mentioned About School Lunches
- Well Nourished Family — Georgia’s meal planning service
- Georgia’s website and Healthy Lunchbox eBook
- Related interviews and posts on meal planning and lunchbox ideas
I am an affiliate for Georgia’s book, but that doesn’t change your price.
