The holidays are officially over, back-to-school shopping is almost done, and lunchbox season is just around the corner. Here are some tips to get through it smoothly!
The Famous Lunchbox
You don’t need to wake up at the crack of dawn to create Instagram-worthy Bento-style lunchboxes. Besides, those miniature works of art probably wouldn’t survive the classic “lunchbox toss” your kids inevitably perform in the schoolyard the very next day!
Still, lunch is a crucial meal in the day, and it’s important to include healthy and tasty foods. Here are some practical suggestions to make preparation easier:
- Cook extra portions at dinner: Prepare a little extra for the next day’s lunch or freeze it for later. Having meals in reserve can save a lot of stress.
- Develop healthy habits with the kids: Involve the whole family in prepping fruits and vegetables for the week. Even the youngest children can help by washing produce or arranging fruits and veggies in containers.
- Prepare lunchboxes the night before: You never know what the next morning will bring!
- Designate a fridge shelf for lunchboxes: Makes it easy for everyone to grab their meal, and kids can even assemble their own lunch.
- Special treats throughout the year: Occasionally, order a catered meal for school to celebrate holidays or special occasions.
- Reward your hard work: Treat yourself to a gourmet lunch now and then. For example, Zeste du Monde Traiteur offers customizable lunchboxes in its Bistronomie menu—a fun way to share a gourmet experience with colleagues.
- Add a creative touch: Use reusable containers in different shapes and colors to make lunches more fun and appetizing.
- Stock up on snacks: Dried fruit, homemade muffins or cookies, cheese sticks, veggie sticks, cherry tomatoes, and berries keep well in airtight containers.
- Keep quick fruits on hand: Apples, pears, bananas, clementines, oranges, and grapes require little preparation and are perfect for lunchboxes.
Simple and Delicious Dinners
Picture this: It’s a rainy Tuesday in November, you’ve had a rough day at work, you’re waiting for your child at swim practice, and you still don’t know what’s for dinner. Panic sets in, and that pizza place down the street starts to look like your only option.
If this scenario happens often, planning is your best friend. Spend a little time creating a simple weekly menu and purchasing most ingredients in one trip. This frees your mind and removes the stress of deciding dinner at the last minute.
Out of ideas? Nowadays, there’s no shortage of simple, tasty, and quick recipes online, in magazines, or in cookbooks. Keep in mind that complex recipes should be saved for special occasions or weekends—simplicity is key during busy weekdays.
- Add soup meals: A great way to use leftover veggies from the fridge and reduce food waste.
- Experiment with new flavors: Try lesser-known ingredients to change up your weekly routine.
- Get the family involved: Let children help choose meals and assist with preparation. Mealtime then becomes a fun opportunity for discovery and enjoyment.
Happy back-to-school season!
