With our tight schedules and action-packed lifestyles, the demand for convenient yet nutritious family meals on the go has never been greater. This option allows busy moms to save their precious time while committing to the well-being of their loved ones.
Not sure how family meals to go can bring positive changes to your life? Read on to explore their many benefits.
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Benefits of family meals to go
Our nonstop routines will often make it challenging to enjoy the little things in life. Family meals are undoubtedly one of them since meal time got cut down significantly over the years. However, you can always make some tweaks and enjoy everything that family meals to go have to offer.
Family meals to go are an excellent opportunity for busy moms to connect with their loved ones. These moments will strengthen family bonds, even if it’s a quick meal in the car or a picnic at the park. Sharing stories and experiences during meals is the perfect opportunity to maintain close relationships regardless of our schedules.
Our busyness is a major obstacle when picking the ingredients for our meals. However, busy moms can ensure their children get the most nutritious meals by planning and preparing family meals in advance.
When kids see their parents making healthy food choices, they are more likely to develop good eating habits themselves. These early habits can have a lasting impact on their future health.
Family meals to go can also be time-efficient. A well-organized plan and meal prep can save tons of time on cooking and cleaning up after meals. Of course, moms can use that time for other, more meaningful activities.
How to plan your family meals to go
Planning ahead is the best way to organize your family time around the table. Here are a few strategies you can try out.
Meal planning tips
Start by taking some time to plan your family’s meals for the week. Make a list of meal ideas that are easy to prepare and which you can eat on the go.
Involve your family members in your meal-planning efforts. Let them suggest their favorite meals, making everyone excited about what’s on the menu.
Once the menu is locked in, prepare ingredients and meals in advance. You can chop vegetables, marinate meats, and portion out snacks beforehand. This will save you loads of time on busy days.
Create a family meal schedule
Setting regular meal times will start a routine for your family meals to go. Doing so will help everyone know when to expect meals so they can distribute their time accordingly.
You should also decide where your family will be enjoying the meals. It could be at home, in the car, at a park, or even during outdoor adventures. Adapt your meals to fit the location.
Naturally, consider all family members’ dietary restrictions and preferences when planning meals. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the meal together.
Grocery shopping tips
Before heading to the grocery store, create a thorough shopping list based on your meal plan. Adapting this habit is excellent for those who tend to impulse buy. Instead of racking up tons of unnecessary items, you’ll only buy things you truly need.
Another game-changer in your grocery shopping task is to buy ingredients in bulk. Purchasing non-perishable items like pasta, rice, canned goods, and snacks in bulk can save money with fewer visits to the grocery store.
You should also stock up on healthy ingredients like:
- whole grains;
- lean proteins;
- fruits;
- vegetables.
You can use these items in a variety of healthy on-the-go meals.
Finally, try to keep your kitchen and pantry organized. Label and store items so that you can quickly find what you need when preparing family meals to go.
Although an excellent solution, meal prep still may be difficult for some individuals. If you don’t have the time or struggle with preparing meals in advance, you can explore other options.
A meal delivery service is the ideal alternative to meal prep for busy families because it takes over the meal planning and cooking for you. With these services, you can enjoy well-balanced, delicious meals without investing time in grocery shopping, cooking, and cleanup. It’s a convenient way to ensure your family enjoys restaurant-quality meals while you focus on your family’s needs and quality time together.
Easy and nutritious recipes
The main goal of family meals to go is to find recipes that are nutritious and simple at the same time. These recipes are designed to save you time and make meal preparation a breeze:
Breakfast
Peanut butter banana roll-ups are a terrific way to start your day. The ingredients for this nutritious and mouth-watering breakfast are:
- whole-wheat tortillas or wraps;
- peanut butter (or almond butter for a twist);
- ripe bananas;
- honey (optional);
- cinnamon (optional).
Lay out a whole-wheat tortilla or wrap it on a clean surface. Spread some peanut or almond butter evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla. Peel a ripe banana and place it at one end of the tortilla. Drizzle honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon on the banana (if desired).
Roll up the tortilla, starting from the banana end, and continue rolling until you have a neat wrap. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll-up into bite-sized pieces. Secure the pieces with toothpicks for a fun and portable breakfast option.
Lunch
The Caesar salad is a timeless classic with an excellent nutrient profile. What makes it extra unique is that you can prepare it quickly and add it to the menu of your family meals to go. To make it, you’ll need:
- two boneless, skinless chicken breasts;
- salt and black pepper, to taste;
- olive oil for cooking;
- one bag of pre-washed romaine lettuce;
- one cup of croutons;
- half cup grated Parmesan cheese;
- your favorite Caesar salad dressing.
Begin by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a skillet, warm a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your serving plates. Place a generous portion of romaine lettuce on each plate. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Top the romaine lettuce with the cooked chicken, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle your favorite Caesar salad dressing over the top. Finish it off by tossing the salad gently to mix all the ingredients.
Dinner
Have you ever wondered how to make a sandwich or wrap that has all the needed nutrients while being easy to prepare? Here are the ingredients required to do it:
- whole-grain wraps or bread;
- lean protein (turkey, chicken, or tofu);
- fresh veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers);
- hummus or mustard.
The preparation of this well-rounded dinner is as simple as it gets. Assemble your choice of protein and veggies in a wrap or sandwich. Then add a spread of hummus or mustard for extra flavor and enjoy.
Final thoughts
The importance of healthy family meals to go cannot be overstated. They are a precious opportunity for bonding and creating healthy habits together. By making a few changes in their habits, busy moms can lead their families toward healthier and more fulfilled lifestyles.