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8 Tips That Make Back-To-School Meal Prep Easier

Aug 15, 2024 | Tips and Tricks

Hey there, supermom! We know you’re always on the go, balancing work, family, and everything in between. Now as you make the transition back to school, finding time to plan and prepare healthy meals your kids will love can feel impossible. Ever wonder how to pack more nutrition into every meal – and still make sure the littles will eat every bite? Or find a great recipe, only to realize it takes hours to cook – time that you simply don’t have? Don’t worry, A Better Meal has got you covered! Here are eight tips to make healthy eating easy, fun, and delicious for your whole family, for back-to-school and beyond.

Tip 1: A well-stocked pantry means key ingredients are always at hand.

Keeping your pantry well-stocked can make meal prep a total breeze! Having a good stash of canned foods and bottled items is like having a treasure trove of meal inspiration at your fingertips. These pantry essentials make it super simple to whip up a delicious meal in no time! Here is a list of some of our favorites to have on hand:

  • Pasta and rice. Whole wheat pasta in a variety of shapes, along with brown rice are healthier options. 
  • Grains, seeds and nuts. Grains like quinoa and oats are protein rich, quick, and easy to use. Flax and chia seeds are excellent additions for adding a protein boost. And, nuts like almonds and pecans make tasty snacks.
  • Beans. Canned beans are the heroes of the kitchen. Look for low-sodium canned goods or rinse the beans with water before using. Add them to soups and salads for extra protein – or use them as fast side dishes.
  • Spices. Add a burst of flavor to any dish – black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, rosemary, paprika and thyme for savory dishes; cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves for sweets; add ground ginger, coriander, cardamom, curry powder for a flavorful kick. You can also purchase premade spice blends like cajun or Italian seasonings.
  • Oils. Keep olive oil on hand for making salad dressings and lower-temperature cooking. Oils like avocado or canola are great for high-temperature cooking, like grilling and stir-frying. 
  • Condiments. Of course, there’s the tried-and-true ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. You’ll need sweeteners like agave syrup, honey, and jam. And don’t forget specialties like soy sauce, miso, curry paste and more. Stock up on the ones your family enjoys. Condiments make even the simplest dishes stand out.
  • Frozen veggies. While not kept in the pantry, they are staples. These come in handy in many ways, from a quick side of broccoli with dinner, to carrots and peas in fried rice to adding spinach to soups to sneak more greens into meals. 

Tip 2: Label and Organize

Labeling and organizing containers in your fridge can make your life much easier! Start by labeling each container with its contents and the date it was prepared or opened. This helps you quickly identify what’s inside and ensures you use items before they go bad. No one likes to find smelly mystery packages in the refrigerator!

Arrange your fridge so that newer items are placed at the back and older ones are moved to the front – this “first in, first out” system keeps food fresh and reduces waste. Group similar items together, like dairy, meats, and veggies, so everything has its own spot. With a well-organized fridge, you’ll save time searching for ingredients and keep your food in top shape!

Tip 3: Make a weekly meal plan

Planning your meals for the week ahead can be a game-changer – and it means fewer trips to the grocery store! Let your kiddos pick some of the recipes for the coming week. They can choose one of their favorite meals or select a new recipe from the choices you provide. Added bonus for mom: when they have a say in picking out dinners, there’s less chance they’ll gripe or refuse to eat what you’ve spent precious time preparing.

Posting a meal calendar is a great way to track weekly plans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (or hint-hint: use A Better Meal app for keeping track of your meal plan!) Keep breakfast and lunch relatively simple and consistent, you can focus on planning dinners. Sheet pan dinners are a fantastic option – just make sure to include a protein, complex carb, and veggie all on one pan for fast cooking and simple cleanup. One-pot meals are great too. Plan soups and stews with lots of veggies and whole grains, or add whole wheat pasta to pack in quality calories and extra nutrition. Finally, if you have dinner leftovers, they can come in handy to pop into lunchboxes the next day.

Tip 4: Double Up

Future you will love this simple tip. Make a double recipe when you cook. Store extra portions for another meal or freeze portions for instant gratification another day. Just make sure to clearly mark what it is and what date you made it. Then all that remains is to heat it up and enjoy every bite. It really doesn’t get easier than that.

You can also cook extra of any core ingredient and repurpose it throughout the week. For example, roast extra chicken to use in salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Or cook a big batch of brown rice to use in hearty soups, savory stir fries, and delicious grain bowls.

Tip 5: Advance Prep Ingredients

Busy moms know that prepping meal ingredients in advance can be a lifesaver. Setting aside some time each week to chop vegetables, marinate meats, and cook grains makes the daily meal rush a snap. Store these prepped ingredients in labeled airtight containers, keeping them fresh and ready to use. Not only will this save you precious minutes during the hectic weekdays, but it also ensures you always have healthy, homemade building blocks ready to go.

Tip 6: Gadgets are Great

Fortunately, there are some fantastic kitchen gadgets that can help you streamline your cooking routine and save you valuable time. If you’re not already using a slow cooker, instant pot, or air fryer, you’re in for a treat! These handy appliances can turn dinner prep into a breeze, allowing you to whip up delicious meals with minimal effort.

Slow cookers and instant pots are perfect for busy days when you need a hearty meal without the fuss. Your air fryer is a game changer for making crispy foods that kids adore with less oil and in half the time. And don’t forget your toaster oven – it’s a fantastic tool that heats up quickly and cooks food evenly, saving you from the lengthy preheating times of a conventional oven.

Your electric tea kettle isn’t only for tea. Do you get tired of waiting for that pot of water to boil? I do! If you don’t have an induction cooktop, an electric tea kettle can be your best friend. It heats water much faster than an electric or gas stove, giving you a head start on boiling pasta or adding liquid to soups. 

Tip 7: Delegate and Engage

Involving your kids in meal preparation can be a fun experience for the whole family. It lightens your workload and teaches your children valuable cooking skills. Plus, it’s just fun to spend extra time with them. Scientific studies suggest that involving kids in meal prep has a host of benefits, like being more willing to try new foods, eating more fruits and veggies, and making healthier choices. 

Assign age-appropriate tasks like washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or setting the table. By letting them help with meal prep, you create opportunities for bonding and make them feel like they’re part of the cooking process.

Tip 8: DIY Meals Make Mealtime More Fun

DIY meal prep with kids can turn dinner into a fun, interactive experience, and there are plenty of creative options to explore. Let your kids take charge of building their own tacos from a selection of healthy ingredients. This hands-on approach not only makes the meal more exciting, but it also allows kids to customize their tacos just the way they like them. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies and teach them about different food choices. 

Another great idea is a salad bar, where kids can choose from a range of fresh ingredients like lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and grilled chicken to make their own custom salads. For a sweet treat, try a DIY yogurt parfait bar with yogurt, granola, fruit, and honey. These DIY meal ideas not only make mealtime more engaging but also give kids a chance to experiment with flavors and build meals that suit their tastes.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll find that meal planning becomes a breeze and healthy eating feels effortless for your family. That’s exactly why we created A Better Meal–to support busy moms like you. Our goal is to help you enjoy nutritious meals together without added stress or drastic changes. With personalized meal plans tailored for your family and thousands of healthy recipes at your fingertips, we’re here to make feeding your family simpler and worry-free. Ready to transform your mealtime routine?

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