Beating the Back to School Blues
Back to School doesn’t have to be “Back to Chaos.” Which is, at least, what it feels like in my home as school begins. Back to shuttling kids to school and extra-curriculars, PTA meetings, play-dates – and let’s not forget, we still have to work, keep the house clean, and find some time for ourselves. It’s no wonder so many fall into convenience, and oftentimes it’s our health that suffers.
Fortunately, there’re ways to ensure you and your kids still eat well without spending all evening in the kitchen. Always keep simple fruits and veggies on hand for the kids to snack on when they get home. Bananas and apples are easy enough to keep on the counter and storing berries and grapes low in the fridge lets kids help themselves. Chop up veggies they can grab out of the fridge – carrots, celery, broccoli are easy to get kids to eat and can last most of a week. If you spend one good night a week prepping, it will save time later, when you may not have the time or energy.
I love sneaking the good stuff into my girl’s diet. Try this: steam a couple peeled sweet potatoes, some carrots and cauliflower (cheddar is best), purée then freeze them in freezer-safe silicone trays. It’s more than enough to last for weeks. This blend mixes great into anything “cheesy.” One of my favorites: Start with a pasta of your (kid’s) choice, boiled and drained. Melt two tablespoons of butter/margarine with two tablespoons of your choice of milk. Add a few cubes of the mix above and two tablespoons of nutritional yeast for special bang. Add cheese if you like. My picky eater doesn’t mind the veggies mixed-in if she can’t see them.
There's good reason it's a classic.
Another great way to get the kids to eat well is to involve them. Let them help you make dinner or their own healthy snack. My daughter’s favorite is “Tomato Surprise.” I halve large cherry tomatoes, scrape out the seeds, and she stuffs them with her favorite vegan cheese (Follow Your Heart Mozzarella, of course). This also packs well in her school lunch and she can make it in minutes the night before. “Ants on a Log” is also a favorite. Cut the celery, let them spread the nut butter and place the raisins. Also, try halving and pitting dates, then stuffing them with nut butter and raisins. Yum!
For more ideas and chance to try some great school time snacks, come by our “Back to School” event at the Valley Coop Saturday August 14th. And remember to check back during the year for more ways to keep kids – and Mama – happy and healthy!