Is it really that time of year again?  Where did the summer go? 

The back to school commercials are on TV, the CNE started a few weeks ago and we are all trying to squeeze in the last few days of holidays before getting back into our routine.  As I think most people do, I have let my daily routine slide somewhat this summer.  Meal prep isn’t as on point, fewer workouts and sleeping in!  Wonderful!  But now it’s time to switch gears and get focused again.

One of the biggest challenges can be planning and preparing healthy meals when schedules get busy again.  Planning ahead is key so this is not a stress for you. I have some tips to help you ease into September and get back into the swing of things. 

1. Batch cook on Sundays and plan to have a consistent weekly meal plan (Taco Tuesday anyone) - this makes shopping easy and takes the thinking out of deciding what to have for dinner
2. Get the kids involved in making lunches - make it fun by setting up an assembly line and make it a game
3. Write your meal plan on a white board on the fridge so the whole family is enrolled. Don’t have a family?  The same plan still exists but make a little extra at dinner to bring for lunch the next day
4. Smoothies  in the morning can be prepped the night before. Put all ingredients (except the liquid) in the blender and leave in the fridge overnight and then just add water or nut milk in the morning, blend and go
5. Create lunch size tupperware meals for the week - just grab and go!
6. Batch cook and freeze in meal size containers for dinners, pull one out in the morning to thaw.  Try chili, soups, tomato sauce, cooked ground turkey or chicken etc… then all you have to add is a salad and voila...dinner is served

Anticipating all that fall brings can be a bit daunting but, I assure you, that with some planning and following some of these tips, it can be a seamless transition into a beautiful season.

One of the biggest challenges can be planning and preparing healthy meals when schedules get busy again.  Planning ahead is key so this is not a stress for you. I have some tips to help you ease into September and get back into the swing of things.