Easy Back-to-School Lunches
There are two types of “quick and easy” meals.
- Meals that take 30 minutes to prep, but that can yield at LEAST 5 servings so you’re “all set” for the week ahead
- Meals that can be made in minutes (ie: a lunch that could be easily prepared the morning of)
Easy Back-to-School Lunches to Prep Ahead
These three meals are super easy to prep in batches AND they hold well in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Mason Jar Salads
Mason jar salads are a fantastic way to prep 4-5 salads without worrying about the leafy greens getting soggy. The way in which mason jar salads are “layered” allows the ingredients to stay crisp and fresh.
Click here to access one of Coach Kenzie’s recipes (a Phase 1 Greek-Style Chickpea Mason Jar Salad) >>
Click here to access a blog post explaining how to prep different variations >>
Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is an awesome dish to prep in advance. Of course, you could use this same method with salmon (canned or fresh & flaked) or tuna as well.
For each portion, mix together 4 oz chicken breast OR shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1/2 cup) with 1 tbsp mayo and 1 tbsp Greek yogurt. Season with salt & pepper. The day-of, use this mix to prepare a wrap for your kids and a salad or bowl for yourself.
Kids: Whole grain wrap with mixed greens (buy a bag of mixed greens), chicken salad, and fresh fruit or veggies & dip on the side.
You: “Bed” of mixed greens topped with the chicken salad and 1-2 tbsp of your favourite nut or seed PLUS a slow carb of choice
- 1 cup grapes
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup chickpeas or other bean of choice
- 1/3 cup roasted chickpeas
- 1/4 cup dried fruits (P2)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, brown rice, barley, or other whole grain (P2)
Black Bean Tofu Hash (with tofu OR ground meat)
I personally LOVE this meal because it is quick & easy to prep in large batches and pairs beautifully with greens as a salad or with a whole grain as a P2 bowl. Your kids might also like this dish (with a bit less spice) as a burrito in a whole grain wrap or as a burrito brown rice warm lunch.
The Black Bean Tofu Hash can be found on Page 222 of Always Hungry?
If you want to use ground meat, use lean ground chicken/turkey/beef – equal parts to tofu (1 lb of meat in the recipe).
Recommended ways to serve…
- Bowl: Serve over 1/2 cup cooked whole grain and plenty of veggies. Top with 3-4 tbsp of guacamole OR 1/3 of an avocado, a dollop of sour cream OR a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and salsa.
- Salad: Serve over a bed of leafy greens and mixed vegetables of choice (ie: shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, etc.). Top with 3-4 tbsp of guacamole OR 1/3 of an avocado, a dollop of sour cream OR a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and salsa.
- Stuffed Sweet Potato: Serve over 1/2 of a roasted or microwave “steamed” sweet potato. Top with 3-4 tbsp of guacamole OR 1/3 of an avocado, a dollop of sour cream OR a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and salsa.
- Kids: Serve as a stuffed roasted or steamed potato OR as a burrito wrap. Use the meat or tofu & beans as the filling and ADD mixed greens, salsa (depending on their spice preferences), avocado, and cheese.
Easy Back to School Lunches to Make in Minutes
These two recipes can be prepared in the morning – in just a few minutes.
Starbucks-Style Lunch Boxes
Put together a “lunch box” consisting of…
- 2 hard boiled eggs
- 2-3 slices FRESH deli chicken, turkey, or smoked salmon
- 1 cup fruit of your choice
- 1/2 – 1 cup “snack-able non-starchy vegetables” (cucumber, celery, carrots, snap peas, etc.)
- 2 tbsp hummus for the veggies
- 5-8 dark chocolate almonds for dessert
Smoothies/Power Shakes
I work with numerous one-on-one clients who have BUSY work days – often jumping from Zoom meeting to Zoom meeting with little time to break for lunch. If this sounds like you – I recommend packing a smoothie in a thermos for lunch. It’s a fantastic way to get nourishment in throughout your day without having to “break” for a lunch. (Of course, taking a break to have lunch is ideal – however, if that is truly not possible, a power shake can do the trick so you stay nourished and avoid after-work hunger).
Here is a link to a few great smoothies on our website >>
Other smoothies can be found in our books on pages 220 & 221 of Always Hungry? and 82 to 84 of Always Delicious.
