Healthy hacks for back-to-school on a budget
It’s that time of year again: Back-to-school season! It can be a struggle to marry health and creativity in the kitchen for the kiddos without it being a time suck.
If your self-esteem is drowning from Pinterest overload, we’ve got you covered. Below are healthy hacks for back-to-school that are easy on you, and your wallet.
- Start the day with a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day according to experts, and we agree. Mornings can be hectic so try a breakfast smoothie! We’ve got recipes for you here and here. Got a little more time? Let the kids decorate their smoothies with healthy and fun toppings when making smoothie bowls like this one.
- Pack foods with a nutritional punch. Avoid convenience foods like fatty chips and pre-made, sugar-laden granola bars. Opt for fruits like oranges and apples, which stay fresh for a long time, and here’s a recipe for Orange Turmeric Granola that can be made gluten free, or vegan.
- Ditch the pre-packaged snacks. Buying pre-packaged foods is a budget buster. What’s more, many packaged foods contain preservatives that aren’t healthy. Experiment at home with homemade Orange Chocolate Energy bites or healthy baked goods like our Orange Carrot Oat Muffins . Low on time? Organic apples with peanut butter and organic carrots with dip or hummus are good options.
- Get your kids involved. Let your kids choose organic veggies and fruits they want to eat for the week in advance. They’ll feel more empowered and excited about what they’re eating, which will increase the odds of them consuming better nutrition. Plus, you’ll only be buying what you need.
- Creativity is important. Think outside the bread! You don’t have to send a sandwich every day. Hard boiled eggs, yogurt like our Ultimate Immune Parfait, tuna in pouches with crackers and beans are good protein-packed choices. You can even experiment with “sandwiches on a stick,” which are kabobs with cubes of turkey, cheese, bread and veggies. Make lunch fun!
- Utilize a thermos. Consider packing a nutrient-rich veggie smoothie sweetened with fruit like this Orange Carrot Smoothie or this Berry Beet Smoothie. You can also pack homemade soup from leftovers the night before in an insulated thermos!
- Avoid soda. Instead, pack water, organic milk or better yet, Uncle Matt’s Organic Kids No Sugar Added Lemonade or Strawberry Lemonade Juice Boxes. Our new juice boxes are delicious and kid-approved – without the added sugar. Perfectly sized for lunch boxes, too!
- Invest in reusable snack bags for a litterless lunch. We all know using less plastic is a smart idea, so get your kiddos on board with sustainability habits early. A well-made reusable snack bag will last a long time. Nordic by Nature and Fluf are two options to consider.
- Make packing lunch an after-school activity! Once your kids are used to picking out their own produce and using sustainable lunch bags, encourage and supervise your kids as they pack a portion of their own lunches. Packing something like this reusable bento box is a great guide for the kiddos to give every piece of lunch its own space.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.
