It’s hard to believe back-to-school time is just around the corner. Transitioning from summer vacation to the new school year can be very exciting.
As parents, we all have visions of relaxed, healthy morning meals and packing Bento box-style or hot thermos lunches (in BPA-free materials, of course) for school, providing adequate hydration that will stay cold and leak-proof throughout the day and planning a 3-course, 5-star dinner loaded with every major nutrient, five days week. No big deal, right? While we all strive to do our best, sometimes the ‘new school year’ energy-momentum wanes as the reality sets in that it’s not so easy becomes apparent. Meal planning is meant to make life easier when things get busy during the week. However, sometimes, achieving this poses additional barriers. Just think about all the steps involved from start to finish.
- Choosing recipes
- Having a plan for each day
- Making a grocery list
- Going to the supermarket to purchase foods
- Washing, cutting, and prepping in portions
- Cooking when necessary
General Meal Prep/Planning Tips
Invest in see-through containers
Whether for the refrigerator, countertop, or pantry, you’ll be reminded of what you have so you can easily put together a meal or increase the health value of a meal. For example, if you see that you have berries or nuts, you can quickly grab them to add to cereal, yogurt, in a salad, or eat as a snack.
Stock up on healthful snacks
Healthy grab-and-go snacks are much more plentiful than a decade ago. Vegetables, fresh fruit, freeze-dried fruit, and air-popped popcorn are great options. Also, look for items that have healthy ingredients (e.g., whole grains), are non-perishable, and don’t have unnecessary ingredients like added sugars.
Utilize leftovers
Breakfast does not only have to be breakfast foods, and breakfast for dinner is a real thing!
Whip up a batch of overnight oats
Oats can stay good for several days in the refrigerator and can be eaten cold or warmed up.
Make a batch of healthy muffins or breakfast cookies.
Both will double as breakfast or a healthy snack. You can freeze these and pop them in the microwave. Serve with a glass of low-fat milk and it’s a great way to start the day or a quick healthy snack to grab.
published: July 31, 2024, 9:22 p.m.