Back to School... Not Just for Sneakers And Notebooks

Despite the fact that temps are still in the 80’s almost everyday and the garden is in full on production mode, there’s something nibbling at me that fall is on its way. Maybe it’s the school supplies in the store, or the fact that apples are starting to be seen at the farmers market or maybe it’s just the inner clock we all have.

It’s been a few years since I’ve had to worry about back to school, but somehow I still think about it and get the urge to buy some new clothes and make a trip to Staples for notebooks and pens. Something about a blank notebook still inspires me.  And lunch boxes. Lunch boxes seem to have made a comeback, although they are quite a bit snazzier nowadays. 

Packing your children’s lunch, or helping them pack their own if they're older, is one of the best things you can do for them. School takes energy and focus and tater tots and cheese pizza from the school cafeteria aren’t going to help with that. A good source of protein along with fruits, veggies and whole grains will keep them going all day. Cooking a chicken on the weekend will give you leftovers for making chicken salad for sandwiches, or pieces of chicken to top a veggie salad with. If you’re in a hurry, pick up a rotisserie chicken. Avoid sliced deli chicken, its just not as healthy.  

Hard boiled eggs are another good source of protein. And if you’re looking for a plant based protein, use beans or quinoa to make up some yummy salads. For a snack, roast some chickpeas with a little olive oil and salt, spices, or even cinnamon and sugar for a little sweet. Of course carrots and hummus are always a hit too.  Get creative, let your kids help pick the ingredients. Make it colorful and fun and involve them in the preparation. They’ll be much more interested in eating it if they’ve had a part in creating it.

And don’t forget to start them off with a good breakfast too. Overnight oatmeal is easy to prepare ahead of time and each kid can customize their own stir-ins. Just put half a cup of oats in a container with a ¼ cup of water. Then stir in your favorite yogurt, fruit, nuts, etc. and put it in the fridge overnight. Easy enough for kids to make themselves making your job a little easier. In the morning its ready to go with no prep. And you can take it to go if you’re in a hurry.

Good luck easing your self and the kids back into the structure of the new school year. It won’t be long before we’re talking about apples, hay rides and leaf peeping.