What’s the best way to start the day? What should you put in that lunchbox? And what about that evening meal? If you’re asking yourself these questions. One – you’re a parent. And two – your kid is going back to school.
This year is a little different than the previous ones. We’re coming back into socialization after the coronavirus lockdown. The school year will be different. And stressful. But that’s why it’s so important you and your little one get the right start with your nutrition.
To help you get started on the right foot, with as little stress as possible, we’ve prepared these handy back-to-school recipes to try.
Simple back-to-school recipes for you and your little one
Discover some of the best, easy to prepare dishes below. These are perfect for that back-to-school adventure.
Breakfasts
We know that after those months of lockdown, facing the school mornings can be tough. But it’s still important to start the day the right way. These breakfasts give your kid a great start without too much hassle.
Overnight oats
Simple and filling. Overnight oats are a tasty, zero-fuss that are full of protein and fiber, not to mention those micro-elements – magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. – they can be boosted with vitamins from anything from strawberries to blueberries and everything in between.
- Add your oats to the jar.
- Pour in a little milk or water, so they’re just about covered.
- You can add in chia seeds too if you like.
- Put in the fridge and wait.
- Take it out and top it up with your fruit and nut faves.
We recommend strawberry and banana or peanut butter, walnuts, and banana. Yum!
Brainy yogurt mix
Creamy, filling, and light enough to start the day. If you find oats too heavy or like something different, this one's for you. Brainy yogurt mix is just what it says on the tin – a mix of healthy, brain-friendly foods.
- Start by chopping up your fruity faves. You can add strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and more. Remember to add in that good old trusty apple too.
- Now, time to pour in the creamy goodness that is Greek yogurt. This is an excellent source of calcium and probiotics.
- Let’s top it off with that crunch factor. Chopped walnuts and hazelnuts are not only a good source of protein, but they also satisfy that crunch craving.
All that’s left to do now is enjoy.
Avocado whole wheat toast
Keeps your little one fuller for longer and packs a health punch too. While not every kid will love avocado from the get-go, this can be a nutritious start to the day for all the family. Avocados contain lots of good fats and fiber. You can also combine it with a poached or boiled egg to get that extra protein boost.
- Stick a slice of wholemeal bread in the toaster
- Mashup that avocado
- Spread it on the bread and add a dash of salt or pepper to taste.
Enjoy!
Lunch
Depending on your child’s school, lunch can look a little different. If they’re canteen-based, then it’s up to you to teach your littles to make good food choices. But if you’re on lunchbox duty, the gauntlet is all yours. Below we have some simple options to stick in the lunchbox without too much prep.
Pesto pasta salad
Flavorful, filling, and easy to get ready. Pesto pasta salad is a staple food you can add to a lunchbox to fill it with a splash of color.
- The night before, boil some wholewheat pasta and leave it to cool.
- Add some pesto sauce, olive oil, a dash of salt and pepper, and mix it in.
- Chop up and tomatoes and add them to the mix. We recommend cherry or plump tomatoes for an amazing flavor combination.
You might also consider adding pine nuts. These help little friends add an extra crunch to the meal and can deliver that helpful protein boost.
Wrap it up
Ah, the classic wrap. Simple and filling and made to suit your tastes. You can add almost anything to your wrap, from peppers to cucumbers to chicken and more. Remember, the more veggies, the better. This is one of our favorite flavor combos.
- Chop up some lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado and mix them in a bowl.
- Layout your wrap and add the mix
- Sprinkle on some sweetcorn and a little cheese.
- Wrap it up to create that classic burrito shape.
- And done.
That’s a wrap, as they say. And we hope you enjoy this one.
Soup in a thermos
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warming soup to keep out the Fall chill. Just because your little one is away from home doesn’t mean they need to miss out on the comforts. Filling a thermos with a warm soup can be a great way to remind them how much you love them.
We’re compiled some of the best wintery soup recipes here. You can check it out and find one that suits you and your kid’s tastes.
Snackmaster
No lunchbox is complete without snacks. But remember, too many sweets and packets of chips have no place in your kid’s tummy. And you might find yourself face to face with some extra angry educators too. That’s why what’s added to your little one’s lunch box matters. So, here are some of the best snacks to get you started on the right foot.
- Ants on a log (aka. Celery, peanut butter, and raisins)
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Homemade popcorn
- Cheese cubes
- Greek yogurt
- Hummus and veggie fingers
- Any piece of fruit
- Coconut energy balls
Dinner
It’s late in the day, and everyone is tired. No one wants to cook. We get it. That’s why we created these super-simple recipes to get you through those long weekdays with enough strength to enjoy the weekend. These are our nutrient-packed weekday dinners.
Loaded veggie pasta bake
Pack with vitamins and minerals, this veggie pasta mix is a true comfort dish that lets you get ready for homework time (or binge-watching that TV series).
- Boil some pasta, best wholegrain
- Chop up your veggies of choice. We love eggplant, tomatoes, sweetcorn, and carrots, but whatever you choose, we’re sure it’ll be delicious.
- Mix the pasta together with the vegetables and pour in some tomato sauce.
- Cover it with a small layer of cheese and stick it in the oven until the top is a little crispy.
- Remove and enjoy.
Mom trick! If your little one is on a veggie protest, instead of leaving chunky vegetables in the mix, simply blend them up and add them to the sauce. Sssh! They’ll never know.
Loaded baked potatoes
Potatoes. So versatile. So filling. So packed with nutrients. Among the heroes of this vegetable are iron, protein, fiber, and vitamins. Meaning it’s a must for your diet.
- You might want to start baking your potato early. It takes a little time. So get that spud wrapped in some tinfoil, add in a little butter and stick it in the oven.
- Done? Great! Now comes the fun part. You can add anything you want at this stage. How about some cheese and beans? Or even some avocado? Or what about cottage cheese and chives? The options are endless. It’s up to you.
Secret slow cooker mix
This is Mom’s little secret. That trick of how she makes everything taste good when there’s nothing in the cupboard, and she’s dog tired. It’s called a secret slow cooker mix, and it’s exactly what it says on the tin.
- Open your cupboard and grab any vegetables you see. Carrots? Check. Pepper? Check. Onion? Check.
- Add it in.
- Now it’s time to bulk it up a little. Grab some legumes from your cupboard. For this, we recommend choosing between lentils or chickpeas. Both of these provide an added level of protein to the mix. Leaving you fuller for longer.
- Great. Now stir in the sauce. You can use simple tomato sauce for this or get more inventive. All that matters is that your family enjoys it as much as you do.
- Let it cook, and Viola! Perfect!
Now you’ve just created the secret slow cooker mix. Remember, you can be as creative as you like with flavors here. The larder is your limit.