With loads of homework, after-school clubs, activities and sports galore, the back-to-school season can prove to be one of the busiest times of the year for parents, teachers, and students alike. While everyone attempts to fall back into a routine after Labor Day, it can be difficult to plan healthy weeknight meals for the family (not to mention picky eaters throwing a wrench into the best-laid dinner plans).
However, studies show that eating dinner at home as a family each night can be crucial to ensure that children get the proper nutrients in their diet, along with eating more fruits and vegetables and eating less fried or fattening foods. Researchers from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse also found in a study that children who eat dinner with their families at least five days a week have better performance in school, eat healthier and are less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol. Those same experts say that the meals don’t need to be extravagant either, so focus on homemade, easy-to-prepare meals that consist of simple ingredients, so they’re easy to whip up regularly.
Check out the video below to see what author and lifestyle expert Brooke Parkhurst recommends to make your life simple and get a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Nutritious, Quick Meals for Back-to-School
Getting a satisfying, healthy dinner on the table this season doesn’t have to be a daily struggle! Check out sites such as Pinterest for tons of ideas for easy meals for back-to-school to choose from every weeknight. Looking for an entrée that you can whip up in 10 minutes or less? Skip the takeout line and try Lemongrass Kitchen meals, which includes favorite dishes like Chicken Pad Thai and Beef and Broccoli. If you’re really running short on time, frozen meals such as Healthy Choice’s Simply Café Steamers Three Cheese Tortellini allow you to get a delicious dinner on the table faster than you can boil a pot of pasta.
In a pinch? Try these Fast, Healthy Meals for Any Time of Day.
Healthy Snacking In-Between Meals
For those times when your child needs a snack after school, before practice, or to power through homework, grab some Crispy Fruit freeze dried fruit snacks. There are seven different fruits to satisfy any craving, and they all have just one ingredient – 100% pure fruit, nothing else! Not to mention the fact that they’re allergen and gluten-free, making them a safe, convenient snacking choice for any student who’s on-the-go.
– By Sara Kildunne