Back to school is a busy time for everyone, and meal prepping can help you save time and stress. Here are five tips to help you get started with back to school meal prepping:
- Plan ahead. The key to meal prepping is planning ahead. Take some time on the weekend to brainstorm ideas for lunches that your child will enjoy and that are nutritious. You can also make a list of the ingredients you need to buy so that you’re prepared when you go to the grocery store.
- Make a meal plan. Once you have some ideas for lunches, put together a meal plan for the week. This will help you stay on track and make sure you have everything you need.
- Shop for ingredients. When you go to the grocery store, be sure to buy ingredients that are versatile and can be used in multiple meals. This will help you save time and money.
- Cook in bulk. One of the best ways to save time with meal prepping is to cook in bulk. This means cooking larger portions of food that can be used for multiple meals. For example, you can cook a whole chicken and use the meat for sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
- Freeze leftovers. If you don’t have time to eat all of your prepped meals right away, you can freeze them for later. This is a great way to have healthy lunches on hand for busy days.
Here are some additional tips for back to school meal prepping:
- Get your child involved. If you involve your child in the meal prepping process, they’re more likely to eat the food that you pack for them. Let them help you choose the recipes, wash the fruits and vegetables, and pack their lunchbox.
- Be flexible. Don’t be afraid to change up your meal plan every once in a while. If your child is getting tired of the same old lunches, try something new. There are endless possibilities when it comes to healthy school lunchbox meals, so be creative and have fun with it!
- Use reusable containers. When you pack your child’s lunch, use reusable containers instead of disposable ones. This is a more environmentally friendly option and it will also save you money in the long run.
- Label your containers. Label your child’s lunch containers with their name and the date. This will help prevent mix-ups and it will also help you keep track of what’s in your child’s lunchbox.
- Keep it simple. Don’t try to pack too much food in your child’s lunchbox. A few healthy and nutritious options will do the trick. Some good choices include sandwiches, salads, fruits, vegetables, and yogurt.
With a little planning and effort, you can easily meal prep for back to school. This will save you time and stress, and it will help your child eat healthy and nutritious lunches.