National Back to School Month

You go to a department store and spot the section filled with notebooks, loose-leaf paper, folders, crayons, pencils and an endless amount of supplies. You know what that means – its about that time to prepare for the back to school season! August, which is also known as National Back to School Month, marks the near end of summer and reminds us of the new school year ahead of us.

You may be running on a tighter schedule and getting back to a routine, whether it means sending off your child to school or you being the one to attend class, making it imperative to keep you and your family energized and focused to work to full potential. You can do so by preparing nutritious food and snacks perfect for on-the go to ensure you are nourishing your bodies. Remember, food is fuel!

4 Tips for Your On-The-Go Meal

Whether you’re preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner to take with you or for your children, try following these tips to make the most out of your meals:

Include lots of fruits and veggies – These are some of the easiest food items you can prep/cook and pack to take with you or your child. Not to mention, they are packed with nutrients! Cut up apples, pineapple, melons, blueberries, grapes or strawberries, and place in a sealed container or a small plastic bag. Grab a banana, orange or any other whole fruit if you don’t have time to chop or prep. The same goes for veggies – pack baby carrots, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, cucumber slices and bell peppers. You can use it in sandwiches and salads or eat as a snack.

Opt for whole grains – Whole grains contain the endosperm, germ and the bran of the grain (aka the whole grain), which carries the essential nutrients, versus a refined grain that is stripped of all these layers. It’s also packed with fiber, keeping you fuller for longer and satiated. Try using whole wheat breads, wraps, English muffins, pasta, brown rice and oatmeal. Looking for a whole grain snack? Try whole-wheat pretzels or cereal or even popcorn!

Add calcium-rich foods – Children and teenagers can benefit the most from consuming a good amount of calcium because at their age, they’re building bone mass. Calcium is found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese. You’ll even find calcium-fortified foods such as cereals and juices. Greek yogurt makes for a great, filling snack for you or your little ones or try pairing cheese sticks with fruit.

Plan ahead – You might not have time in the morning to prepare these meals, so always try prepping in advance. Set up everything the night before so you can just take it in the morning as you head out the door. You can even use dinner leftovers for the next day. Take advantage of the end of the week to do your grocery shopping and plan what veggies, fruits, grains, lean meats, etc. you will use throughout the following week to keep you prepared. It’ll make things easier for you!

Tackle the busy new school year by keeping you and your family energized and focused. Fuel your body as best as you can, plan ahead and enjoy! Also – don’t be afraid to use this as a time to get creative with meals, it’ll keep it more interesting!

Your turn for action: How are you preparing for back to school season? Let me know in the comments below.