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It’s back to school time which means life can become hectic trying to juggle school and various activities. Check out this month’s meal plan with tips for managing the chaos.
Back to School Meal Planning Tips
- Break Down Tasks
Meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal prep can be overwhelming if attempted all at once. Instead, try breaking down these tasks and spreading them across the week. Designate specific days for each activity to create a routine that suits your schedule. For example, I plan my meals on Wednesday, write my grocery list on Thursday, do my shopping on Friday, and set aside some time for meal prep on Sunday. This way, you can efficiently manage your time and stay on top of your healthy eating goals.
- Consider Activities When Planning Meals
While planning healthy and delicious home-cooked meals is important, it’s equally vital to consider your family’s schedule and activities. If you have a busy day ahead, especially with after-school activities, opt for time-saving meal options. Slow cooker meals are perfect for those days when you’re on the go before dinner. Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and by the time you return home, a hot and wholesome meal will be waiting for you.
- Utilize Car Pooling to Your Advantage
If your child has regular practices or extracurricular activities, consider organizing a car pool with other parents. By sharing the driving responsibilities, you can free up time on certain days, allowing you to focus on preparing nutritious meals for your family. I’ve found with fewer trips to and from activities, you’ll have more opportunities to cook dinner and enjoy quality family time together.
- Embrace On-the-Go Dining
Sometimes, busy schedules may prevent you from sitting down for a traditional family dinner. However, this doesn’t mean you have to resort to unhealthy fast food options. Instead, pack a homemade meal that can be enjoyed on the go. Invest in quality food containers to carry your nourishing dinners while watching your kids’ practices or other events. This way, you can still prioritize health and nutrition, even during hectic evenings.
This month’s meal plan is a combination of 4 Week Gut Protocol & Portion Fix. That’s why you’ll see some A’s & B’s on the meal plan.
Printable Monthly Meal Plan
The weekly meal plan is a word doc so you can download and make changes to suit your needs. Just click on the image below to download, edit and print. Meal Plan Templates can be found for Foundational Fix, Carb Cycling, Timed Nutrition and 4 Week Gut Protocol plans A-E in the What’s Working Here Resource Library.
