We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The kids are in a frenzy, the day has been long already, and trying to make some time to get a meal in you after dealing with the picky eaters of the family can seem like a job all on its own. Eating and staying healthy is important, and what some new mothers don’t know is that when done right, food can be a great comfort and help keep you going!
Focus on foods that make you feel good, but are also full of energy inducing ingredients that power you up. Experts say that by eating several smaller meals during the day instead of 3 scheduled meals, you can keep your energy up better and it gives you a much more flexible schedule. By picking a few favorite “super foods” and integrating them into your meal plans, you can find simplicity and quick, easy comfort whenever you start wearing down.
Compiled here is a list of snacks and meals that are perfect for a healthy diet, family friendly, and most can be converted into quick on-the-go snacks and dinners! Staying on top of family meal is not only important for your kids, but it’s essential to staying the best mom you can be. So, hit the grocery store, stock up, and let yourself be comforted with the miracle of taste!
- Trail Mix
Parenting is a bit like taking a long hike uphill. Tons of rewarding sights, challenges, surprising twists, and the need for some super food to keep you going. As a new mom or one with several kids running around, getting a quick fix is a must. Trail mix is great because you make a lot of it at once that can last you for a week, sometimes more!
Plus, you can throw in just a spattering of chocolate or other candy pieces to give you that satisfaction to your sweet tooth without feeling like you’re over-doing it. Nuts, granola, and additional dried fruits are great healthy additions that pack a punch for energy throughout the day! The best part about trail mix? It’s great for toddlers, it’s great on the go, works as a light snack or an addition to your meal.
- Homemade Soup
Maybe this one seems a little obvious, but soup is really great for families, and pretty easy to cook! Grab your fresh veggies, a few chicken thighs, herbs like basil and bay leaves and throw them together with some hot water and simmer. Chop, serve, and enjoy. Broth is great for beating illness, cold weather, and it’s easy for younger kids to eat so you don’t have to monitor so closely.
When the meal is over, throw the leftovers in the refrigerator. It’ll make another great pick-me-up tomorrow or the day after when you’re in need of a quick meal to give you a boost! If time is of the essence, you can use a tasty soup base from brands like .
- Baked Mac n Cheese
A popular choice among kids can be made healthier and suitable for mom, too! Throw in some broccoli to subtly integrate vegetables into everyone’s diet, add in some ham for protein, and go a bit lighter with the cheese and butter before throwing it in a casserole pan and popping it in the oven! Plenty of great recipes for baked mac n cheese can be found all over the internet, and you can always add in additional ingredients that spark your interest.
This suggestion isn’t quite as versatile as the other on-the-go suggestions, but it definitely helps give you that home-maker feel by having a warm, home-cooked meal after a long day and the whole family can appreciate and enjoy your efforts. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to make!
- Fruit Salad
Side dishes that everyone will enjoy can be tough to come by, especially if you’re trying to keep a healthy diet going for your family. Fruit salad can combine everyone’s favorites with a small kick of sugar that works great as a snack, dessert, or even part of a family meal time. Berries, oranges, pineapples, kiwis, and other delicious fruits can be diced and tossed with a fruit juice mix with brown sugar and vanilla flavoring added to create a sweet syrup.
Fruit is an essential part of any diet and packs lots of valuable nutrients that you’ll need as a mom. With these recipes, you can throw your stock together quick and simply, and even take it with you for a great snack if you have a day full of appointments.
- Smoothies
Many breast-feeding moms have turned to the internet to find the best recipes for lactation smoothies, but you shouldn’t stop the habit just because your baby has gotten older! Smoothies are a great way to get in a few greatly needed servings of your daily fruits and vegetables and give you a great energy boost while helping your immune system. Plus, you can just blend and go, so it’s quick and easy.
Check out on Amazon to find tons of great recipes that are organic, cheap, and simplistic in nature. You can even get your kids involved by explaining to them that a smoothie is just an even better version of a milkshake!
- Crock Pot Beef Roast
Crockpot dinners have been the life-saver for so many active families. A personal favorite that has been a cornerstone for families for decades is beef pot roast. Tender brisket, juicy steamed vegetables, and a savory sauce simmer for hours while you’re busy with your daily tasks and is ready and waiting for when everyone gets hungry. Plus, the left-overs are equally delicious!
Spice your meal up with different herbs and additions. Browsing websites for recipes and user comments with suggestions can help you keep things new and exciting as you re-make meals. Making use of your crock pot is a great way to make healthy meals for your family without exerting the time and effort. Conserving that energy is important, especially for new moms and parents of infants.
- Green Bean Casserole
When you have a busy day ahead of you and you’re on a budget sometimes it can be hard to think of a good meal to serve the family. A dish that has always been easy to make and the ingredients cheap to buy is the green bean casserole. It helps get those veggies into everyone while retaining a delicious taste everyone will enjoy.
The recipe to make green bean casserole is pretty similar in all households but if you are looking to excite things the internet is full of ways to make traditional recipes, like this one, new and exciting. There are also healthier spins on how to make it for mom’s that want to eat right.
- Biscuits and gravy
Eggs, cereal, and toast are great in the morning but sometimes they start to get a little boring to you and your kids. Spice up your mornings without needing to put in a lot of extra work by making a simple biscuits and gravy for you and your kids. The best part about it is that leftovers are easy to store and save for the next morning.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for you and your kids, so give yourselves something new to enjoy. This is also a good dish to make if you have a big family to feed in the morning, it makes a lot so you don’t have to cook each child and yourself breakfast individually.
- Yogurt
It can be hard to find a dessert to feed you and your kids that actually taste good and is worth getting excited about. After a nice dinner get out some yogurt and small assortment of dried fruits, fresh fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds for your kids to customize their very own bowl of yogurt. It can be a fun things to do with the kids while also enjoying a healthy little treat together.
Yogurt is a healthy snack that can be eaten quick if you’re in a hurry or eaten together as a family, give yourself a good excuse to spend some time together coming up with new and fun yogurt ideas and sharing with each other.
- Oatmeal
Every mom has a busy schedule they have to keep everyone on or everything starts to fall apart. It’s hard sometimes to think of a good breakfast everyone can enjoy that won’t make anyone late for school or daycare. Oatmeal is the perfect solution to that problem, and there are so many wonderful online recipes you can find with new exciting ways to make it.
For moms with a bit less time on their hands there are brands like that have instant oatmeal you can make for everyone to enjoy while still being content that you fed you and your kids a good healthy breakfast.
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