We live in a fast-paced world where there are so many deadlines to meet and rides to catch. Working mothers face additional challenges because their families rely on their expertise in meal planning and preparation. Morning meals are frequently the most difficult, especially when everyone in the family needs to be on the road by seven in the morning. Furthermore, packing lunch for kids who need to be dropped off at school is more difficult because you must consider not only their breakfast but also their lunch. There is the instant idea of the drive-through, but this can be costly and unhealthy as well. Hence, the necessity to prepare quick yet healthy meals for your family.
Here are some of your favorite meals to help make mealtimes a little more manageable:
1. Supreme Crunch Wrap
Instead of going through the drive-through, prepare this Crunch Wrap Supreme recipe ahead of time. Wrap each one in foil and store it in a cooler to eat in the car, at practice, or from the stands. Make an extra batch and freeze in individual zip-top bags because these freezes well.
This Crunch wrap recipe calls for extra-large tortillas, Greek yogurt, and plenty of cheese, making it a simple but delicious dish. There are gluten-free instructions included. Taco Bell’s most popular item is the crunch wrap recipe. This meal may appear difficult to make, from the outside tortilla to the crunch of the corn tostada inside, but once you learn a few simple tricks, it’s easy and is sure to become a favorite.
2. Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a favorite when you’re on the go, whether it’s stuffed in a pita pocket, topped on a salad, or scooped with crackers. Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect on-the-go option that’s packed with protein, vegetables, and even fruit; it’s bursting with flavor and fun textures, and it’s a breeze to make. Prepare a big batch of chicken salad and keep it on hand for when you need to throw something together quickly it is handy.
This chicken salad is seriously delicious, thanks to pecans, blueberries, and chicken, as well as a few other simple ingredients. Chicken salad is one of my favorites, and I especially enjoy it with large chunks or shreds of chicken, making it feel like a hearty and satisfying meal. The addition of plump blueberries, fresh pecans (roasted would be even better) and crunchy yellow bell pepper make this salad seriously satisfying. Instead of traditional mayo, I used avocado oil mayo to up the heart-healthy fats.
3. Beef and Potato Hand Pies
When you combine your love of comfort food with the need for a quick meal, these beef and potato hand pies are the perfect solution. Wrap leftover roast beef and potatoes in a flaky frozen pie crust to make a portable hand pie that beats the drive-thru every time. This quick recipe can also be stuffed with leftover vegetables, chicken, or pork. The possibilities are limitless.
4. Asian Chicken, Zoodle, and Sorghum Mason Jar Salad
This Asian Chicken, Zoodle, and Sorghum Mason Jar Salad is a great portable meal option that is high in flavor and nutrition. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days due to the airtight seal on the jar. “The benefit of this salad is that it’s ready to eat in its own container, so grab a fork and eat directly from the jar,” says registered dietitian Tracee Yablon Brenner. However, if you’re worried about traveling with glass, simply transfer the salad to a plastic storage container, then pack it in a cooler.
5. Savory Waffle Turkey BLTs
Waffles for dinner are always a hit, especially when they’re transformed into Savory Waffle Turkey BLTs. This sweet and savory sandwich will be a hit whether you pack it for lunch, a picnic, or a quick dinner. If you aren’t going to eat the BLT within an hour, pack the tomatoes in a separate container to keep the waffles from getting soggy.
6. Easy Summer Rolls with Sunbutter Sauce
Chelsey Amer, a registered dietitian, understands how difficult it can be to eat vegetables on the go. When you’re on the go, however, these Easy Summer Rolls with Sunbutter Sauce are a quick and easy way to wrap up your favorite vegetables. “A large collard green leaf or rice paper wrapper is the perfect container to transport a rainbow of veggies,” Amer says. Pack the rolls and sunflower seed butter dipping sauce in a to-go container, and you’re good to go. In fact, vegetables make for great and simple appetizers, snacks, or dinner which is a healthy way to feed yourself and your family.
SunButter contains approximately the same amount of protein, fiber, and iron as peanut butter or almond butter, but more vitamin E and magnesium than other nut butter. It has a lot of flavors and is very creamy. It’s probably the creamiest sunflower seed butter you’ve ever had.
7. Tortilla de Patata
Tortilla de Patata is a simple and satisfying Spanish favorite that is traditionally eaten as a frittata with a side salad or folded and placed inside a baguette. “Because it’s delicious warm or cold, this sandwich makes for a versatile on-the-go meal that provides carbs, protein, and veggies all in one portable meal,” says registered dietitian Rebecca Clyde.
8. Walking Taco Bar
With just a little preparation, you can set up a quick Walking Taco Bar, allowing everyone to customize their meal and take it with them. “A Walking Taco Bar is the perfect way to serve up a saucy taco filling and your favorite toppings in a bag of chips for a game,” says creator Gwynn Galvin. “Crush the chips in your bag, top them with a flavorful beef taco filling, pile high with lots of taco toppings, add a plastic fork, and you’re all set”, Galvin added.
9. Ravioli Lasagna
You can serve this one-dish meal to your family in 10 to 15 minutes. Simply boil your fresh or frozen ravioli until it’s “al dente,” but it still needs to be finished in the oven. Preheat the broiler and quickly place the drained ravioli in the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with a layer of pasta sauce and shredded mozzarella. Top it with your family’s favorite vegetables, keeping their nutritional needs in mind. Combine the basil and Parmesan. Cook it for another 5 minutes under the broiler and you’ll have a meal for the family in no time.