Check out the strategies below on how to meal prep with the new back-to-school schedule in mind. These tips may make the transition from summer fun to school routines a bit easier.
- Delegate: Have your kids participate in the food prep process. Giving them some responsibilities can help your child to eat their meals if they’ve had a role in their creation. Kids are also more likely to try new foods if they’ve helped to prepare them.
- Plan and prep ahead: It is hard for any of us to make the best decisions when we’re tired or frazzled. Having a plan A and even a plan B helps to keep meals running smoothly, no matter how the day unfolds. Using a meal plan as a guide can be helpful.
- Batch your work: Preparing several portions of favorite foods in advance can help you save time during busy school weeks. Here are some examples:
- Place ingredients for smoothies in a freezer bag and freeze. When ready to use, add to a blender with milk and breakfast is made.
- If your child likes having cut up vegetables in their lunch, don’t spend time doing this each night. Once or twice a week, cut up vegetables and store them in baggies that are ready to toss into the lunch box.
- If you know that you’re cooking two different dinners that call for chopped onions and celery, chop up enough veggies for both dinners at the same time.
- Adjust your expectations: Meal planning does not need to be perfect. Some weeks are busier than others. You do not have to do everything yourself or create meals in the same way as when you have more time. Enjoying your meal together is more important than what you are eating.
Bottom Line: Change always comes with a bit of stress, and back-to-school is full of changes. Be patient with yourself and your family as you establish new routines. Consider what steps you need to take to ensure that you’re eating the meals that help you to thrive.
Information gathered and adapted from:
Pizza Muffins
Ingredients
12 Southern Style Biscuits, thawed but still cold
1 cup pizza sauce
1-2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup mini pepperoni
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (or other veggie of choice)
1/2 cup chopped or sliced olives (or other veggie of choice)
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
Directions
1.Pour pizza sauce into a large bowl.
2.Cut each biscuit into 10-15 small pieces and stir into pizza sauce.
3.Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine well.
4.Spoon the pizza mixture equally into well sprayed paper muffin liners in a muffin tin.
5.Bake at 350 degrees F 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6.Remove from oven and remove muffins from tin.
Recipe makes: 12 servings
Nutrition Information:
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Recipe adapted from:
