Back-to-School Meal Prep Tips (Pt 1)

Many of my clients either have kids or are teachers (or both!) so I know this is a big week!

And I'm getting two kinds of vibes. 

There are some of you out there who are READY. From planned out meals to color coordinated calendars, your back-to-school prep could be its own Pinterest board. 

And then there's a lot of you who could definitely use an extra week to get ready...but even if you had it, it would still feel like chaos. I don't have kids, but based on the rest of my life, this would definitely be my category!

One thing I love about back-to-school season for my clients is that it provides some extra structure — planning kids' breakfasts, lunches, and snacks — that helps them stay on track, too. 

Even if you don't have kids, you can use some of the same strategies to make sure you're prepped and ready for each week. 

1. Think Ahead

First things first: If you don’t know what’s coming, you can’t be prepared for it. 

Take a few minutes each week to check the calendar(s). In addition to figuring out who needs to be where and when, think about what and when you’ll need to eat.

Kids in school and sports? Make a list of what they need for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. Put something on that list for yourself. 

No time to prep or cook? Plan for that, too.

What’s quick and easy? What can you pick up on your way home from work or practice? When will you have leftovers to use so you don’t have to make something new?

To be ready, you have to know what you’re getting ready for. If you feel like you don’t have time to plan meals ahead of time, odds are you definitely need to take a few minutes to do that! It’ll actually save time and often money in the long run. 


2. Know Your Go-Tos 

When life gets extra busy, as it tends to do this time of year, having reliable meals and snacks everyone will eat that are quick and easy is key.

If you end up getting takeout or eating at restaurants on busy nights, check your normal order. Try to make sure it’s fairly balanced with protein+carb+veggie if possible. 

Know what fruits and veggies you and your kids will eat and try to keep them on hand. Frozen veggies are fantastic, easy, and economical options to add to weeknight dinners.

Keep foods on hand (or in lunch boxes!) that can round out meals or provide extra nutrition as snacks — things like fruit, veggies, nuts, string cheese, and granola bars. When you can, stock up on the stuff you know you and your kids like so you’ll always be ready.   

Look out for more meal prep and nutrition tips next week!