Meal Planning Ideas

The first couple of days back to school reminded me of how I felt when I had my kids.  I thought I was prepared but you never are.  So this weekend, I’m working on some meal prepping and planning so that I can save time and focus on work and the girls’ school time.

BREAKFAST IDEAS:
Cha – I literally cannot imagine my starting without 1 good cup of cha to set the tone.  

Avocado Banana Shake – a great way to start off your day with plenty of protein and nutrients!  Definitely will keep yours and your child’s tummy full and mind focused during work or class!

A “Date” with Granola – have this with yogurt and fruit, milk, as a snack.  Also try How to make a Nutty Granola if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

Almond Coconut Porridge – healthy, filling and so simple to make, enjoy a different

Berry Bake  – perfect to have little squares pulled out of the fridge when you’re hungry!  Filled with fresh berries and oats, you’ll get an energy packed breakfast with this one.

Apple Pie Oatmeal  – the girls love their oatmeal and we love to experiment with different flavors.  This apple pie oatmeal is a family favorite that we can have every day!

Breakfast Oat Muffins – play around with your toppings, a fun breakfast to make with your little ones.  I get mine involved and they love adding in their own toppings.  The girls tend to eat more when they are part of the process too!

Breakfast Soufflé Bites – a great way to add protein into your diet, make ahead and warm up while you are getting ready in the mornings, these are great to get your day started!

LUNCH IDEAS:
Pasta Salad – a fun and delicious lunch filled with so many different veggies, you’re sure to get your rainbow in.  In this heat, definitely nice to have a cold salad too!

Barley Bowl – so easy to make this ahead for meal prep, make the barley base and add any veggies you want.  Keep the chimichurri sauce on the side until you are ready to eat!

Greek Tortellini Salad – this is such a delicious and refreshing salad and it will keep you going through the rest of the day!  I actually love it so much, I don’t mind having it for lunch 2-3 times in a week.

Butternut Squash and Thyme Risotto – who wouldn’t love some risotto for lunch?!  Change out things from having a salad to a risotto.  Change out the butternut squash for asparagus and peas or mushrooms and sausage to have it on multiple days without getting bored of the same flavors!

Paneer Cabbage Cups – Refreshing and easy to put together, you can easily have these cabbage cups for lunch.  Just make sure to pack the cabbage separately to avoid getting them soggy!

Kathi Roll – Wraps are always easy to eat while you’re still working so make a few of these Kathi Rolls and have a little extra chutney on the side to dip in.


AFTERNOON SNACK:

I don’t know about you but in my family, if we don’t have an afternoon snack around 3pm, everyone acts like they’ve been starved for days by the time dinner is getting started.  Here are a few delicious make ahead snacks that you can pack in your lunchbox or your children’s.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus packed in with some crudités is the perfect healthy afternoons snack.  I like include carrots, bell peppers, celery, and on occassion, pita chips or pretzels.

Spiced Plum Crumble Bars -a nice sweet treat that the kids can work the sugar off of in the afternoons, it has plenty of oats, and not much sugar in it.  Made with fresh plums, beware they may ask for more than just 1!

Roasted Masala Chickpeas – I have to usually make double the amount I normally plan on because the girls love these and can go through an amazing amount as soon as they are cooled from the oven.  This is a great option for children’s lunchboxes to include protein as many schools are a nut free zone to respect prominent allergies.

Mango Pico – a fun option to include with some tortilla chips, mango pico is sure to hit the spot, especially in the current heat wave we are experiencing!

Roasted Chili Almonds – this may not be an option for the kids but definitely a great one for the adults to pack.  Everyone who has tried these has told me they can’t stop eating them!

Popeye Muffins – these are delicious and light and a perfect way to get some green veggies into your kids.  Make minis or reg sized muffins and they will go so quickly!

DINNER IDEAS:
The first couple of weeks of school is going to be crazy as parents will need to be involved in helping navigate remote learning (I know I’ve had my fair share first learning these new programs then teaching my 5 year old how to use the computer!) so here is a list of foods that you can either make ahead or it will take less than 30 minutes to make in the evenings post work.  I like to vary out my cuisines so the kids learn different foods, cultures and flavor profiles, and I’m not stuck eating the same dishes all the time.

Easy Chicken Ramen with GF Noodles – Use rotisserie chicken picked up from the grocery store to cut your time and fresh pasta to cook in just 3 minutes, I timed it to cook in just 29 minutes!  It’s possible guys and such a fun meal!

Sausage & Zucchini Linguini and a side of Spinach Watermelon Salad with a Basil Vinaigrette – a perfect light combo that takes less than 20 minutes to make.  Clean and healthy eating!

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry served with a side of rice or naan is a perfect 30 minute Indian meal (yep, it’s possible) on a weeknight.  Filled with fiber, protein, and non-dairy calcium!

Brown Butter Toasted Tortellini and a side of Fresco Carpaccio would be a great pairing.  Marinate the carpaccio while you work on the tortellini and have dinner ready in 30 minutes.

Teriyaki Salmon with a side of Microgreens Salad  keeps it light, refreshing and a quick, easy meal.

Poblano Pav Bhaji Burger – a fun twist on the traditional Pav Bhaji, make this ahead on the weekend so all you have to do is toast the buns and warm up the bhaji for dinner.  A fun Indian fusion dish that cannot miss!

I hope these recipes are helpful in planning out your meals for the week.  From my kitchen to yours, enjoy your meal and good luck for the coming weeks!