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I Turn My Son’s Food Into Healthy Meals That Look Like Cartoon And Pop-Culture Characters (30 New Pics)
My name is Laleh and I am 35. I have a son Jacob (6) and a daughter Charlie (19 months old). In May 2015, I turned my son's spelt pancakes into a lion for a bit of fun and he loved it! Every few days he would ask if I could make him a character from a movie, book or toy that he had seen. Jacob and I would get creative in the kitchen and discuss the ingredients that we were using and the benefits. For example, when he was 3, we would talk about how Kale was a superfood. He would ask why, and I would say 'because superheroes love eating it' - that was a winner for him!
I started posting our creations on my personal Facebook page and had such a positive response that I thought I would create an Instagram account to inspire other parents to get creative in the kitchen.
Within a month our page went viral and gained media attention from all over the world with media coverage from Time Magazine, Huffington Post, The Today Show USA, The Today Show Australia, Sunrise, ABC TV, Disney Channel Australia, and shout outs from celebrities, such as Martha Stewart and Ashton Kutcher to name a few. Ellen DeGeneres has even shared an artwork that I made of her on her show!
Within the last two years, we have been lucky enough to work with some amazing companies including Disney, Nickelodeon, Universal Pictures, Barcelona FC, Jamie Oliver, 20th Century Fox to name a few.
We would never in a million years have thought that our little kitchen creations would turn into a full-time business but we love every minute of it!
We love to use fresh, healthy produce and no refined sugar or preservatives. All our creations are dyed using vegetables and natural powders such as activated charcoal.
Check the other meals that I've shared on Bored Panda.
More info: Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
Carl & Ellie
Mash potato, chicken, noodles (made for Valentine's day - not for eating).
Baby Yoda
Hei Hei From "Moana"
Organic eggs with salad.
Lady And The Tramp
Spelt and cocoa pancakes with fruit.
That looks amazing! That's a lot of talent! But with those dishes that are supposed to be warm..wouldn't they be a tad cold once finished?
Carnage From Venom
So you're feeding your kid a plate of dried chilis? I'm pretty sure this isn't "healthy" or normal.
Bing Bong From Inside Out
Anger, Joy, Disgust
Fruit skewer.
Dobby From Harry Potter
Carl Fredrickson
Avo on toast.
Pooh
Sweet mash potato with couscous, turkey meatballs and veggies.
Daisy Duck
Toothless From How To Train Your Dragon
Rapunzel
Pasta with mash potato and avocado.
King Triton
Snoop Dogg
Mash potato, wild rice (not made for eating).
Mama Coco
Mash potato with vermicelli noodles, purple cabbage, shrimp.
This is possibly my favorite artistic creation. Your work is beautiful. As for "not for eating", people make demo cakes using foam forms. Nothing different about that in my eyes.
Sadness From "Inside Out"
Dragon fruit smoothie bowl with homemade granola (glasses), coconut, blueberries, apple and rockmelon.
Diane a, where is your negative comment on this one?? Can't say anything can you cause this is clearly edible. Didn't know you could be speechless... sorry to everyone else, her comments have been so rude and infuriating.
Cruella De Vil From "101 Dalmatians"
Spelt pancakes with blackberries, apple, blueberries, shredded coconut, whipped cream and cocoa cream cheese.
Scar From The Lion King
Mike Wazowski From Monsters Inc
Dylan And Dolly
Cream cheese on wholemeal wrap with black sesame seeds and fruit.
Giulia From Luca
Dumbo
Ursula From The Little Mermaid
Vanellope Von Schweetz From "Wreck It Ralph"
Mash potato, eggplant, lettuce, pickles, white tortilla wrap and red capsicum.
Amy Winehouse
"To make my son eat healthy"..... anyone else wondering how old his kid has to be to be persuaded to eat healthy and appreciate Snoop Dog or Amy Winehouse? Starting to wonder if she is retired and her son is a 43 year old man.
I like how you guys point out Amy Winehouse and Snoop Dog as being totally unacceptable..but then make it seem like Freddie Krueger is normal for a child... Please people..read the article before scanning the pictures...
Load More Replies...The food plate art stuff is well done - god help her kids - either not allowed to touch it - or eat it stone cold after she has played about with it for an hour to get "the instagram pic". Just actually feed your children real food when they are hungry.
Hi Diane, I find it really strange that you have all this time to sit here and basically TROLL all over my creations. You have managed to make a negative comment on most of my creation. I don't understand where all this hatred is coming from but let me reply to a few of your comments: If you read the description it clearly says that this is now career for me - (lucky me right! ) so some of these creations are made as commissioned pieces - that's right I get paid to do this!! Isn't that amazing! These creations weren't made for my little girl for his 19months old they were made for my son JACOB - hence Jacob's Food Diaries. A lot of them were for him to eat but CLEARLY the ones that celebrity ones that are made were as tributes and NOT for him to eat. I make only 3 creations a week so the other remaining meals are "normal" meals so please don't stress my kids aren't and wont grow up to be brats
Load More Replies...While these are super cute & creative, I don't think kids should need their parents to make these to eat the food their parents provide. To me, that's a brat.
That would be a brat if you ONLY ate food designed as a character you like. However, every once and a while it’s a nice treat if your mother came and gave you a lunch that looked like Elsa or something. ☺️
Load More Replies...This is cute, but silly and wasteful. And she is only going to perpetuate her kids fussy and entitled eating habits...
This is only done 3 meals in a week, my children eat normal food and they are definitely NOT fussy eaters - infact they are massive foodies!
Load More Replies...I'm probably going to get downvoted for this but I'm gonna say it anyway. These look great but whatever happened to parents just making their kids eat their damn veggies?
I enjoyed looking at those plates and a lot of talent has gone into this. But it came across as a bit weird to start with "I made those for my boy" and then proceed to produce artful plates full of food that is not meant to be eaten (at her own description). It might have been made a bit clearer that making the food look cute for her child was what got her into designing those, but that this is not what it is about anymore. The more elaborate ones looked like 2 1/2D sculptures, just with food as a material. They look nice, but I enjoyed the plain ones a lot more, because they seemed like you can actually eat them. :)
I’m sure some of them were meant to be eaten, the ones that weren’t were probably just her having fun or for a commission
Load More Replies...omg.. how come that some people have all the creativity and me is not able to paint a finger that actually looks like a worm 🤐
haha! you know I actually can't draw!
Load More Replies...l dont really understand the negative comments. This mother clearly provides her children with healthy meals. She is employed to be a artist with something she enjoys and provides for her family. Why the attack on her? Shouldnt she be congratulated on providing her children not only with healthy eating habits but with the idea that you can be open to new things. For those of you that say she wastes time,why is this your business its not your time and as for supposed waste of food. She purchased the food with money she made with her wonderful artistic abilities. So instead of the negativity and hate and judgemeknt. Maybe try to be a better person and explose your children to some creativity and love and a lifetime of healthy eating habits. I ask all of you who are so negative about her parenting when was the last time you prepared a healthy meal with your child. When was the last time you did something creative with them? Dont judge a individual you know nothing about. You come off as hateful, small minded, and jealous of her talent as a mother a artist and provider.
I love you ! thank you so much! its so nice and refreshing to see kind people in this world xxxx
Load More Replies...These are all amazing! I wonder if she would adopt me as I wouldn't mind eating quite a few of those! I think she had a great idea when trying to figure out how to get her kid to try new things and eat more fruits/veggies and such! I am sure all of you that are being negative nancys and negative normans either had moms that would play "airplane to get you to open up or maybe you have kids and cut their food into cute shapes to interest them to eat. So what if she is more creative than you and who cares about her food choices for HER child. Just enjoy her creations and move on, enjoy your day!
Agreed. There’s some truth behind some of these statements but really, who cares? Look at the pictures if you like and get on with your day, it’s not worth having a fit over
Load More Replies...These are really amazing pieces. I bet they were fun to eat (or prep later like the dried grains) after the art photo-shoot. There's no harm is having fun with culinary arts folks, especially with the opportunity to gain the experience & knowledge with different foods (especially healthy ones). I don't think it's really spoiling, rather a nice way to spend time with family using fun culinary arts. Reminds me of the times when I was a child and family prepared food together and we got creative (not as art, but tried different mixes for what we had), it wasn't often but a few times a week. It was also an opportunity to learn about the food too.
Ok, these look so cool. But no one is eating this. Cool art but it looks unedible and doesn't look like none of this tastes good together.
Maybe she’s making it for fun, maybe it’s tastier than you’re giving credit for, get over it. Just look at the awesome talented food and go on with your day, you shouldn’t be getting worked up over this
Load More Replies..."time, time, time" - yet has time to comment on it
Load More Replies...Incredible artist but I think a different medium might not offend so many people
I think the works shown in this gallery are very beautiful. It's obvious you've worked very hard on them, and they illustrate your creativity and sense of fun. I would like to know more about some of the materials you've used, as the some of the items are difficult to identify ...I would love to see videos of some of your creations being made. I am sorry you've gotten trolled on this gallery. Some folks just reach for the negativity I guess. Normally we're much nicer than that on BP. Good luck and much success with your new career!
"for my son to eat healthily". You know, it is ok to have a hobby without pretending it is for your kids' wellbeing? It looks completely unnecessary.
These were cool, I kinda want to run my finger through the mashed potatoes. I just hate how much food she wastes though, food she could be giving to her kids, who must me major Disney fans...
Hi Lizzie, Thank you for your comment :) I can assure you that none of this food goes to waste :) we have little guineas pigs who just love eating all the scraps leftover. :) xx
Load More Replies...really cool, love them all <3 its awesome when someone has so much passion and skill
Super creative. But you've got way too much time on your hands for a mother - some might suspect neglect, or a live-in nanny!
Imma call a spade a spade. She's making cool characters out of food, but let's not pretend like these are actually her kid's meals and not just things to go viral on the internet. You're really gonna try to convince me you're counting a giant plate if starchy mashed potatoes and cheese is a healthy meal for your kid?
Despite all the negative comments, this gallery of photos showcases your talent well. Who cares why you started it or what these people think. It's none of their business what your children eat. Great job. You have a very creative mind. Keep it up!
Really great artwork. But how much did the kid actually eat? Also some of the foods seemed a bit extreme for a child, like octopus.
Japanese kids eat octopus
Load More Replies...One must remember that thousands of children worldwide are are starving to death. Playing with food to make sure that that your kid will eat is just ludicrous. This not rendering a service to your child he/she should learn that food is not toys and you eat what is on your plate.
Animal protein is absolutely not healthy for the planet, and is certainly NOT required for a healthy diet.
Load More Replies...Hi Joannie, Thank you for your comment :) I only make these creations 3 times a week - the rest of the meals are normal meals :) It just for a bit of fun! x
Load More Replies..."nice of your husband to let you do this" are we in the 1940s? She works and earns her own money, also cares for the children, so what exactly has the husband done so spectacular that makes him so "nice"? She doesn't need a permission.
Load More Replies..."To make my son eat healthy"..... anyone else wondering how old his kid has to be to be persuaded to eat healthy and appreciate Snoop Dog or Amy Winehouse? Starting to wonder if she is retired and her son is a 43 year old man.
I like how you guys point out Amy Winehouse and Snoop Dog as being totally unacceptable..but then make it seem like Freddie Krueger is normal for a child... Please people..read the article before scanning the pictures...
Load More Replies...The food plate art stuff is well done - god help her kids - either not allowed to touch it - or eat it stone cold after she has played about with it for an hour to get "the instagram pic". Just actually feed your children real food when they are hungry.
Hi Diane, I find it really strange that you have all this time to sit here and basically TROLL all over my creations. You have managed to make a negative comment on most of my creation. I don't understand where all this hatred is coming from but let me reply to a few of your comments: If you read the description it clearly says that this is now career for me - (lucky me right! ) so some of these creations are made as commissioned pieces - that's right I get paid to do this!! Isn't that amazing! These creations weren't made for my little girl for his 19months old they were made for my son JACOB - hence Jacob's Food Diaries. A lot of them were for him to eat but CLEARLY the ones that celebrity ones that are made were as tributes and NOT for him to eat. I make only 3 creations a week so the other remaining meals are "normal" meals so please don't stress my kids aren't and wont grow up to be brats
Load More Replies...While these are super cute & creative, I don't think kids should need their parents to make these to eat the food their parents provide. To me, that's a brat.
That would be a brat if you ONLY ate food designed as a character you like. However, every once and a while it’s a nice treat if your mother came and gave you a lunch that looked like Elsa or something. ☺️
Load More Replies...This is cute, but silly and wasteful. And she is only going to perpetuate her kids fussy and entitled eating habits...
This is only done 3 meals in a week, my children eat normal food and they are definitely NOT fussy eaters - infact they are massive foodies!
Load More Replies...I'm probably going to get downvoted for this but I'm gonna say it anyway. These look great but whatever happened to parents just making their kids eat their damn veggies?
I enjoyed looking at those plates and a lot of talent has gone into this. But it came across as a bit weird to start with "I made those for my boy" and then proceed to produce artful plates full of food that is not meant to be eaten (at her own description). It might have been made a bit clearer that making the food look cute for her child was what got her into designing those, but that this is not what it is about anymore. The more elaborate ones looked like 2 1/2D sculptures, just with food as a material. They look nice, but I enjoyed the plain ones a lot more, because they seemed like you can actually eat them. :)
I’m sure some of them were meant to be eaten, the ones that weren’t were probably just her having fun or for a commission
Load More Replies...omg.. how come that some people have all the creativity and me is not able to paint a finger that actually looks like a worm 🤐
haha! you know I actually can't draw!
Load More Replies...l dont really understand the negative comments. This mother clearly provides her children with healthy meals. She is employed to be a artist with something she enjoys and provides for her family. Why the attack on her? Shouldnt she be congratulated on providing her children not only with healthy eating habits but with the idea that you can be open to new things. For those of you that say she wastes time,why is this your business its not your time and as for supposed waste of food. She purchased the food with money she made with her wonderful artistic abilities. So instead of the negativity and hate and judgemeknt. Maybe try to be a better person and explose your children to some creativity and love and a lifetime of healthy eating habits. I ask all of you who are so negative about her parenting when was the last time you prepared a healthy meal with your child. When was the last time you did something creative with them? Dont judge a individual you know nothing about. You come off as hateful, small minded, and jealous of her talent as a mother a artist and provider.
I love you ! thank you so much! its so nice and refreshing to see kind people in this world xxxx
Load More Replies...These are all amazing! I wonder if she would adopt me as I wouldn't mind eating quite a few of those! I think she had a great idea when trying to figure out how to get her kid to try new things and eat more fruits/veggies and such! I am sure all of you that are being negative nancys and negative normans either had moms that would play "airplane to get you to open up or maybe you have kids and cut their food into cute shapes to interest them to eat. So what if she is more creative than you and who cares about her food choices for HER child. Just enjoy her creations and move on, enjoy your day!
Agreed. There’s some truth behind some of these statements but really, who cares? Look at the pictures if you like and get on with your day, it’s not worth having a fit over
Load More Replies...These are really amazing pieces. I bet they were fun to eat (or prep later like the dried grains) after the art photo-shoot. There's no harm is having fun with culinary arts folks, especially with the opportunity to gain the experience & knowledge with different foods (especially healthy ones). I don't think it's really spoiling, rather a nice way to spend time with family using fun culinary arts. Reminds me of the times when I was a child and family prepared food together and we got creative (not as art, but tried different mixes for what we had), it wasn't often but a few times a week. It was also an opportunity to learn about the food too.
Ok, these look so cool. But no one is eating this. Cool art but it looks unedible and doesn't look like none of this tastes good together.
Maybe she’s making it for fun, maybe it’s tastier than you’re giving credit for, get over it. Just look at the awesome talented food and go on with your day, you shouldn’t be getting worked up over this
Load More Replies..."time, time, time" - yet has time to comment on it
Load More Replies...Incredible artist but I think a different medium might not offend so many people
I think the works shown in this gallery are very beautiful. It's obvious you've worked very hard on them, and they illustrate your creativity and sense of fun. I would like to know more about some of the materials you've used, as the some of the items are difficult to identify ...I would love to see videos of some of your creations being made. I am sorry you've gotten trolled on this gallery. Some folks just reach for the negativity I guess. Normally we're much nicer than that on BP. Good luck and much success with your new career!
"for my son to eat healthily". You know, it is ok to have a hobby without pretending it is for your kids' wellbeing? It looks completely unnecessary.
These were cool, I kinda want to run my finger through the mashed potatoes. I just hate how much food she wastes though, food she could be giving to her kids, who must me major Disney fans...
Hi Lizzie, Thank you for your comment :) I can assure you that none of this food goes to waste :) we have little guineas pigs who just love eating all the scraps leftover. :) xx
Load More Replies...really cool, love them all <3 its awesome when someone has so much passion and skill
Super creative. But you've got way too much time on your hands for a mother - some might suspect neglect, or a live-in nanny!
Imma call a spade a spade. She's making cool characters out of food, but let's not pretend like these are actually her kid's meals and not just things to go viral on the internet. You're really gonna try to convince me you're counting a giant plate if starchy mashed potatoes and cheese is a healthy meal for your kid?
Despite all the negative comments, this gallery of photos showcases your talent well. Who cares why you started it or what these people think. It's none of their business what your children eat. Great job. You have a very creative mind. Keep it up!
Really great artwork. But how much did the kid actually eat? Also some of the foods seemed a bit extreme for a child, like octopus.
Japanese kids eat octopus
Load More Replies...One must remember that thousands of children worldwide are are starving to death. Playing with food to make sure that that your kid will eat is just ludicrous. This not rendering a service to your child he/she should learn that food is not toys and you eat what is on your plate.
Animal protein is absolutely not healthy for the planet, and is certainly NOT required for a healthy diet.
Load More Replies...Hi Joannie, Thank you for your comment :) I only make these creations 3 times a week - the rest of the meals are normal meals :) It just for a bit of fun! x
Load More Replies..."nice of your husband to let you do this" are we in the 1940s? She works and earns her own money, also cares for the children, so what exactly has the husband done so spectacular that makes him so "nice"? She doesn't need a permission.
Load More Replies...