I feel like I'm spending all night in the kitchen, preparing dinner and then worrying about lunch the next day. Any suggestions for something that will work for both?
Renee M. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and nutrition expert Lianne Phillipson-Webb answered;
Most of the parents I know are both out at work all day, and then come home to whip up dinner which can be a challenge in itself – but then have to make a healthy lunch for the kids or themselves the next day, too. That can add up to an evening spent in the kitchen. With some planning, you can get it all done in one meal.
What’s made for dinner is lunch for the next day with a tweak or two. Start with the kid’s dinner favourites, so you get them on board and away from their usual sandwiches. Get a cool thermos for everyone in the family with a mouth that's wide enough to get the contents out without a struggle for soups, lasagna, shepherds pie or any kind of noodles and sauce.
If you aren’t accustomed to planning meals for the week, it’s a great idea to ease the stress after working all day and is more economical with both shopping and time. Get the family involved, too. They will love having a say in what they are eating for the week and what’s for lunch the next day.
Here are a couple of suggestions to get you in the swing of what I’m talking about. Make all these items on Sunday.
Veggie Soup
Mediterranean Herb Rub
Chicken Souvlaki
For Monday’s lunch, have leftover souvlaki with a spinach salad or in a wrap with spinach and arugula leaves. Add some raw strips of red or yellow peppers.
You’ve already made Monday night’s dinner; vegetable soup. Serve with crusty bread and side salad with sesame seeds, cucumber and steamed veggies.
Tuesday’s lunch is leftover soup (from Sunday) with brown rice and any leftover chicken cut into small pieces.
Lianne Phillipson-Webb is a registered nutritionist and the founder of Sprout Right. She specializes in pre/post-natal and family nutrition. For help with meal planning, she has two great seven day meal plans including recipes and shopping lists available for purchase.
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