Guest article by HelloFresh Canada
Back-to-school season is upon us, and with it comes the annual challenge of managing packed schedules, ensuring homework is completed, and, yes, the age-old question: “What’s for dinner?” For the many Canadian parents navigating the maze of meal planning, we hear you. Almost half of you (43.5%) admit that it’s stressful coming up with meals the whole family – especially the kids – will love. This doesn’t have to be the case.
At HelloFresh, we’re committed to helping families ease into the school year smoothly. Here are some expert tips for back-to-school meal planning, and how HelloFresh can lighten that mental load.
Contents
1. Start with a Plan
Routine is Your Friend:
Establish a weekly meal schedule. Not only does this offer a clear structure for shopping and meal prep, but it can also reduce daily decision fatigue. Knowing that Wednesday is pasta night, for instance, can take the guesswork out of what to cook.
Include the Kids:
Engage your children in the planning process. Let them pick a day where they choose the main dish or a side. They’re more likely to eat what’s on their plates when they’ve had a say in what’s served.
2. Batch Cooking and Freezing
Maximize Your Time:
Set aside a day each week or every other week to prepare meals in batches. These can be frozen in individual or family-sized portions, ready to be reheated on busier days.
Versatile Ingredients:
Opt for recipes that use ingredients that can be incorporated into different dishes. For example, roast a large batch of vegetables and use them in salads, pastas, or as side dishes throughout the week.
3. Embrace the Leftovers
Creative Remixing:
Rather than viewing leftovers as a repetitive meal, think of them as a foundation for a new dish. Yesterday’s roasted chicken can be today’s chicken salad sandwich or tomorrow’s chicken pot pie.
Store Smartly:
Invest in quality, airtight containers. Properly storing leftovers can prolong their freshness, ensuring they taste just as delicious the next day.
4. HelloFresh to the Rescue
Diverse Menu Options:
With HelloFresh, the days of being stuck for meal ideas are over. We offer a range of tasty, nutritious options that cater to diverse palates. And yes, we’ve got the kiddos covered. Our menus are curated with family favourites in mind, reducing the chances of dinner table drama.
Save Time on Grocery Shopping:
No more wandering aisles or waiting in long checkout lines. HelloFresh delivers all the fresh ingredients you need, right to your door, in the exact amounts required. This minimizes waste and maximizes convenience.
Flexible Subscription:
We understand that family schedules can change. That’s why our subscription model is flexible. Whether you need meals for a few days a week or the whole week, we can accommodate. Plus, you can skip a week or pause your subscription whenever you need to.
5. Make Cooking a Family Affair
Kids in the Kitchen:
Cooking doesn’t have to be a solo task. Involve your children, based on their age and skill level. It’s a fun way to bond and they learn a valuable life skill.
Shared Responsibility:
Assign meal-related tasks to different family members. Someone can be on salad duty, another on setting the table, and another on cleanup. This fosters teamwork and ensures that one person isn’t burdened with all the meal prep responsibilities.
In Conclusion
The back-to-school season can indeed be hectic, but with a little planning and some help from HelloFresh, mealtimes don’t have to add to the stress. Remember, meal planning is not just about feeding hungry mouths but also about nourishing family bonds. Here’s to a school year filled with delicious memories!
HelloFresh is here to help the Wholesome Providers of families make meal planning simpler and more delightful. Let us be part of your back-to-school strategy. Start today with our discount for the Meal Kit Comparison audience: up to 20 free meals! Claim your offer here.