Okay, I became vegan (over the summer), but now I dont know what to bring for school lunch and snack?!

Question

Anyone have any low-cal, healthy solutions?

I used to do Chewy granola bars, but those arent vegan.

Haha.

Ive been a vegetarian since January, so thats nothing new, but vegans alot different!

Oh, and at my school, theres a 'salad' bar, but when you buy your lunch you HAVE to get a milk (the only exception is if your lactose intolerent). Last year I told them I wouldnt drink it (and just throw it out), but they said its state law. Is there an exception for being vegan? Last year I asked to get orange juice or lemonade instead (because I was just starting to go veg) but they wouldnt belive me. So, any help there?

Thanks! :]

Answer 1

Then say you are lactose intolerant (which is true in some extent if you are vegan, you will not tolerate lactose/milk).

For lunch: Sandwiches like PB and J/etc or tofurkey or lightlife deli slices with tomato and hummus or vegan mayo, cold pasta, mini salad, quinoa or couscous and beans, vegan chili, soup, stir-fry, roll-ups/wraps, vegan tuna or potato salad, vegetables with rice.

For snack: Dried fruits, nuts, vegetables, fruits, applesauce, hard and soft pretzels, homemade chips (potato, kale, tortilla, corn, banana, pita, etc), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), vegan cookies, homemade bars (like the recipes I gave you in another answer), vegan muffins, vegan brownies, crackers, breads, beans, peanut butter and...(w/e you like), fires, plantin, trail mix, luna bar.

More idea sites:

http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-children/...

http://veganlunchbox.com/index.html

Answer 2

Well that can be difficult my girl friend is a vegan and she donsnt eat to much but when she goes to school she brings chip,juice,oranges,apples,cookie and foods like that and cake allso  

Answer 3

First off, check out the book "Vegan Lunch Box." It;s basically a huge number of lunch ideas, sorted by difficulty, preparation time, ingredients-- you name it. Most useful thing ever for us lunch bringing vegans! :)

If you just eat a small lunch, try Luna or Clif bars. Personally, I prefer Luna (chocolate peppermint stick-- mmmm!) but some people really like Clif, so whichever you prefer.

Fresh fruit is always useful, or you could make yourself a sandwich-- PB&J or faux meat, or something entirely different! Sandwiches are quick and travel pretty well.

If you're used to getting school lunch and they have options for you (which is amazing-- my state has no veg options!) then by all means fight for that right! Get your parents to give you a note and DON't BACK DOWN! Tell them that it's against your beliefs to consume milk and, given that you've been vegan so long, it will do your health more harm than good. They can't force you to take it, if you're giving them money-- if they need to give you milk, tell them that they should be providing a soy or other alternative.

Good luck!

Answer 4

How about dried fruit for a snack? I love dried strawberries and peaches. Not only are they delicious but they are low cal and you can keep them in your purse and pop em' at your leisure.

Answer 5

Congrats on going vegan! Here are some food ideas for school:

Soy yogurt and fruit

Bagel with Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese

Peanut butter & jelly

Avocado, lettuce & tomato sandwich

Sub or wrap with Tofurky Deli Slices and Vegenaise (vegan mayo)

Clif Bars and Luna Bars - they are vegan!

Pita & hummus

Celery, apples or carrots topped with peanut butter

Popcorn

Trail mix (nuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds)

I would try to get a note from your doctor saying you're lactose intolerant. There probably isn't an exception for being vegan, but there should be.

Answer 6

I'm a fan of Luna Bars.  Nectar Bars (also by the Clif Bar company) are pretty good--just fruit and nuts.  They're not super low-cal, but they are pretty good to stave off hunger.  You can also get fruit leathers, which are pretty cheap.

Unfortunately, as far as I know, the school won't make an exception for vegans.  You and your parents are going to have to complain to someone (I don't know who) to get calcium-fortified orange juice.  Gotta love the cozy relationship between our government agencies and the animal exploitation industries, don't you?

And check out Vegan Lunchbox.  If you can bring your lunch instead, you don't have to worry about them forcing cows' milk on you.