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From extracurricular activities to never-ending homework, life gets very busy for today’s families. Adding to it is the persistent question of what to have for dinner. Thankfully, it’s possible to eat healthy, delicious, and easy meals with a bit of planning. Here, we’ll offer a few time-saving meal ideas for busy parents.
Eat Breakfast for Dinner
A kid-friendly hit, breakfast for dinner will quickly become a family favorite. Scramble or poach eggs and serve them with fruit and whole-grain toast. Or break out the griddle and cook some whole-grain pancakes and have them with a fruit smoothie. The possibilities for this quick meal are endless!
Homemade Pizza
Who says delivery is the only option? It’s easy to make pizza at home, even on a weeknight. Use whole-grain pita bread, spread with low-sodium tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and your choice of meat and veggie toppings. Bake in a preheated oven until they’re crispy, and enjoy the leftovers for lunch—that is, if anything is left!
Fish Tacos
Another family favorite, fish tacos, really hit the spot—Bake or grill some tilapia, trout, or salmon with curry or chili seasoning. Wrap the fish in whole-wheat tortillas with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, grated carrots, and a bit of lime juice.
Roasted Chicken
On a relaxed weekend day, roast a chicken or two and serve it with potatoes and vegetables. During the week, when things get busy, use the leftover chicken for sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Stir Fry
Cook up bell pepper strips, mushrooms, onions, broccoli, green onions, garlic, and ginger with your choice of meat or tofu. Add a bit of low-sodium soy sauce and serve with quinoa or brown rice. Use pre-chopped vegetables to save time.
Canned Beans, Chickpeas, and Lentils
Canned legumes can give weeknight meals a fiber and protein boost. If you can’t find the low-sodium type, simply rinse them in cold water and drain thoroughly.
Canned Tomato Sauces
Choose a quality brand that offers a low-sodium option. While it may seem like cheating, canned tomato sauce is a versatile option for busy families. For instance, it can be used to make pizza, sauce for meatballs, and zesty curry sauces for unique chicken dishes.
Canned Fish
A pantry staple, canned fish, can easily be incorporated into weeknight dinners. Look for labeling that says “light,” tongol, or skipjack tuna, as it contains less mercury than albacore tuna and is typically less expensive. Canned tuna makes it easy to get those two recommended servings of fish every week!
How Can We Serve Balanced Meals?
Look at your dinner plate to know if you’re on the best track. Fill half the plate with vegetables, one-quarter with starch or whole grains such as sweet potato or corn, and the rest with tofu, fish, lentils, chicken, or other lean protein.
Getting Dinner on the Table Every Night
As in other areas of family life, planning is essential. Put together a weekly meal plan that’s full of fast, easy, and inexpensive ideas. It’s also a good idea to stock up on pantry staples, as it will make it easier to throw something together on a busy night. Keep a running list of things as you run out, so you can pick them up the next time you’re running errands.
Many families follow the “cook once, eat twice” philosophy. On weekends, cook recipes in batches. Enjoy some that night and freeze extra portions for use on hectic days. Others see success by getting a head start. Do some meal prep the day before—whether it’s cutting up veggies or measuring spices, little steps will save time when things get busy.
Eat Healthy As a Family
While families lead busy lives these days, that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice healthy eating and time spent together. By following the tips in this guide, even the busiest parents can put together delicious, nutritious meals their kids will love.
