180 Different Lunches: A Mom's Challenge | Creative Lunch Box Ideas

Hello everyone! It's Dominique!

Those who follow me know that I set myself quite a challenge this year! Imagine: 180 different lunches in one school year. Not a single one that is repeated. A crazy challenge? Maybe! But here we are already halfway through, and I still haven't succumbed to the routine of the traditional ham and cheese sandwich! 💪🏻 I don't know if I'll make it to 180, especially with baby 8 arriving before the end of the year, but I'm staying positive!

How it all began

What was supposed to be a simple “Lunch 1/180” post to illustrate the parental burden of the school year turned into a real culinary adventure. When I published “Lunch 2/180,” subscribers immediately imagined what would come next. After a discussion with my team, we said, “Why not?” - even the less successful lunches deserve a place in this adventure!

From constraint to passion

What surprises me the most? The ease with which I managed to think outside the box! Contrary to what I might have thought, preparing original meals does not necessarily take more time than a classic sandwich. Last year my lunches varied between the ham sandwich, the classic ramen, the tortellini with pink sauce and the cold pizza. In fact, the real challenge lies in finding ideas, but once the inspiration is found, the magic happens! I must admit that I find it much more fun and stimulating to vary my preparations than to always prepare the same meals...

Successes that make you smile

Some of my favorite creations:

• Hot Chicken Reinvented: A Chicken Sandwich with Hot Sauce in a Thermos

• Endless variations of Caesar salad

• Creative cold pizzas

• A collection of innovative wraps (the crispy chicken ones are my kids' favorites)

• Comforting soups (long live improved ramen)

• Colorful salads

The verdict of the experts (my children)? 80% of the meals are approved - a satisfaction rate that exceeds all my expectations! In addition, the lunch boxes are more often returned empty!

Where to find inspiration?

For those who feel the need to vary their lunches without falling into my madness of 180 different lunches:

• Check out my featured stories in my “Lunches” bubble on Instagram ( @Dominique Berneche )

• Discover the detailed recipes in the online magazine Les Belles Combines

• Coming soon: all recipes in the Octave app, with the ability to integrate them into your planning and grocery list!

Between Pinterest, reinventing leftovers and spontaneous inspirations, every lunchtime becomes a new adventure for my children. And for me? A source of daily motivation that benefits the whole family and you, dear subscribers of Belles Combines!

So, how long do you think I'll last? 🤔 Creativity in the kitchen has become my new playground, and I don't plan on stopping there!

To your lunches! 🍱✨