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Back to School Life

Back to School Life | ProMeals Blog

MyPromeals / 07-23-2022

As parents, we want what's best for our kids. We want them to be happy and healthy, and that includes making sure they have a nutritious lunch to eat at school. Preparing a healthy lunch for your kids to take to school is important for their physical and mental development. A nutritious lunch will give them the energy they need to get through the day and concentrate in class. It will also help them to maintain a healthy weight. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your child's lunch is healthy and nutritious. First, start with a good foundation of whole grain breads or wraps, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Then, get creative with your combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

- A whole grain wrap filled with roasted turkey, avocado, and tomato slices - A PB&J sandwich on whole wheat bread with a side of carrot sticks and grapes - A lunchbox salad made with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, and low-fat ranch dressing - A thermos of homemade tomato soup with whole grain crackers and a side of cucumber slices

Remember, the key to a healthy lunch is variety. By including a mix of different food groups, you'll give your child the nutrients they need to power through their day. So, take the time to pack a healthy lunch for your child this school year! It's one of the best things you can do for their health and well being.

How to Find the Time

As the summer comes to an end and kids head back to school, it can be hard to keep up with packed lunches. While it's important to make sure your children are eating healthy, it's also important to find time to pack their lunch in a busy morning routine. Here are a few helpful tips for packing a healthy lunch for your kids:

1. Make sure you have the right supplies. A good lunchbox, some healthy snacks and a water bottle will help you pack a nutritious meal for your child.

2. Plan ahead. If you know you'll be short on time in the morning, try to prep some of the lunch components the night before. This could mean chopping veggies, cooking rice or packing fruits and yogurt.

3. Get your kids involved. If they're old enough, let them help you pack their lunch. This can teach them about healthy eating and get them excited about eating their own food.

4. Think beyond the sandwich. There are plenty of other easy and healthy lunch options that your kids will love. Try wraps, quesadillas, sushi rolls or even a simple salad.

5. Add some fun extras. A little bit of creativity can go a long way in making a healthy lunch more appealing to kids. Include a fun note, pack homemade cookies or add some cute Bento box decorations.

With a little bit of planning, you can easily pack a healthy and delicious lunch for your kids. Just remember to keep it simple and involve your children in the process. By following these tips, you can pack a healthy lunch for your children that they will enjoy eating.

Some Easy and Quick Lunch Ideas

1. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a classic lunchtime favorite for kids. They're quick and easy to make, and can be customized with different types of breads and fillings.

2. Grilled cheese sandwiches are another easy option that can be made ahead of time and packed in a lunchbox. Add some fruit or veggie sticks on the side for a complete meal.

3. For a heartier lunch, try packing a wrap with chicken or turkey, lettuce, and cheese. Add some grapes or other fruit for a sweet touch.

4. If your child is a fan of pasta, pack a cold pasta salad with their favorite veggies and a vinaigrette dressing.

5. A simple turkey and cheese sandwich can be made even more fun by adding some colorful toppings like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or red onions.

6. If your child is a fan of hummus, pack a veggie wrap with hummus, carrots, celery, and cucumbers.

7. For a sweet treat, pack a yogurt parfait with yogurt, berries, and granola.

8. A PB&J smoothie is a fun and easy way to pack a PB&J sandwich for lunch. Simply blend together milk, peanut butter, jelly, and ice cubes in a blender and pour into a to-go cup.

9. A simple cheese quesadilla makes a quick and easy lunch option. Just add some shredded cheese to a whole wheat tortilla and microwave for a few seconds until the cheese is melted.

10. Kids will love these mini pizza bagels made with English muffins, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Simply top the English muffins with sauce and cheese, and bake in a toaster oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

After School

It can be tough to keep your kids entertained after school. They might be tired from a long day of learning, or they might just be bored. Either way, it's important to find ways to keep them engaged and excited about life. There are plenty of after school activities that moms can do with their children. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

- Take a trip to the library together and encourage your child to check out books that interest them. Not only is this a great way to bond, but it's also educational! - Get involved in your child's school by volunteering for PTA or chaperoning field trips. This is a great way to stay involved in your child's education and to meet other parents. - Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities, like sports teams or clubs. This can help them socialize and stay active, while also teaching them important life skills. - Cook together! Not only is this a fun activity, but it's also a great way to teach your child about healthy eating habits. - Get moving with some fun indoor exercises! You can find lots of great workout videos online, or make up your own routine. Just make sure to get your heart rate up and break a sweat! - Make a healthy snack to refuel your body after a long day of learning. Try cutting up some fruits or vegetables, or make yourself a quick and easy smoothie.

Whatever after school activity you choose to do with your child, make sure that it's something that both of you will enjoy. This is a time for you to bond and create lasting memories together.
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Back to School Life FAQs

Meal prepping for school lunches can be easy and efficient with a little planning. Start by choosing recipes that are both nutritious and appealing to kids. Opt for meals that can be made in bulk, like wraps, sandwiches, pasta salads, and overnight oats. Use ProMeals' ready-to-eat healthy meals as a convenient option to save time. Divide the meals into portion-sized containers for each day of the week. Remember to include a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to ensure a balanced diet. Labeling containers with the days of the week can also streamline mornings, making it easier to grab-and-go.

Packing school lunches can often be cheaper than buying lunch at school, especially if you focus on homemade meals and bulk buying. With ProMeals, you have the added advantage of cost-effective, ready-to-eat healthy meals that eliminate the need for daily cooking. Investing in these meal prep services can be more economical in the long run, as it reduces waste and ensures that your child is eating healthy, balanced meals designed by nutritionists. Comparing the cost of individual ingredients to ProMeals' options can help highlight the savings further, especially when considering the time saved in meal preparation.

For a nutritious school lunch, aim to pack a variety of foods that will provide energy and essential nutrients. Include a source of lean protein such as chicken, turkey, tofu, or beans. Add complex carbohydrates like whole grain bread, pasta, or quinoa for sustained energy. Fresh fruits and vegetables offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so try to incorporate colorful options. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, or avocado can support brain health. Don't forget a hydrating drink, like water or a natural fruit juice. ProMeals offers a range of ready-to-eat meals and juice cleanses perfect for school lunches, ensuring a balanced diet without the hassle of daily preparation.

Basic school lunch ideas that are both simple and nutritious include turkey and cheese wraps, hummus and veggie sticks, chicken pasta salad, and peanut butter and banana sandwiches on whole grain bread. For a twist, try ProMeals' ready-to-eat options like quinoa veggie bowls or grilled chicken strips with sweet potato fries. Add a piece of fruit or a yogurt cup for dessert, and a bottle of water or homemade fruit juice to keep them hydrated. These meals are not only easy to prepare but also ensure a balanced intake of nutrients essential for growing children.

Making kids' lunches for a week requires planning but can be streamlined with batch cooking and using ProMeals' ready-to-eat healthy meals. First, create a menu for the week, ensuring a variety of proteins, grains, and produce. Next, dedicate a few hours over the weekend to prep components of the lunches, such as cutting vegetables, cooking grains, or baking proteins. Alternatively, select a week's worth of meals from ProMeals designed for children, covering a wide range of nutrients and tastes. Pack each day's lunch in separate containers and store them in the fridge. This approach not only saves time during busy mornings but also ensures your child enjoys fresh, nutritious meals throughout the week.

A balanced school lunch should include five key components to ensure nutritional adequacy and variety. These components are:

 

  1. Protein: Essential for growth and repair, options include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, or tofu.
  2. Fruits: Provides essential vitamins and minerals; can be fresh, canned (in water or natural juice), or dried.
  3. Vegetables: A source of fiber and nutrients. Aim for a variety of colors to maximize nutrient intake.
  4. Grains: Preferably whole grains, such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, or whole-grain pasta, to provide sustained energy.
  5. Dairy: For calcium and vitamin D, include milk, cheese, or yogurt. Non-dairy alternatives should be fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

ProMeals' ready-to-eat healthy meals are designed with these components in mind, making it easier for parents to provide balanced, nutritious lunches without the hassle of daily preparation.

Meal prepping while maintaining freshness involves:

  1. Proper storage: Use airtight containers to keep air and moisture out.
  2. Portion control: Prepare individual meal portions for easier grab-and-go options.
  3. Smart layering: Place sauces and dressings at the bottom of the container, with drier components on top.
  4. Refrigerate or freeze appropriately: Understand which meals are best kept in the fridge and which can be frozen for later use.
  5. Utilize ProMeals services: Our ready-to-eat meals are packaged and sealed to maintain freshness, offering a convenient and fresh meal prep solution.

The best way to pack meal prep involves:

  1. Choosing the right containers: Opt for BPA-free, airtight containers that can be refrigerated or frozen and are microwave safe.
  2. Separating components: Keep different meal components in separate compartments or containers to retain texture and flavor.
  3. Keeping foods at the correct temperature: Use insulated bags with ice packs for cold items or thermoses for hot ones.
  4. Batch cooking and portioning: Prepare meals in batches and divide them into individual servings for ease of packing and consuming.
  5. Leveraging ProMeals offerings: For hassle-free meal prep, consider ProMeals ' perfectly portioned and professionally packed meals, designed to offer convenience without compromising on nutrition or taste.

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