Organized Summer Meal Planning: How to Keep Your Kids Happy and Healthy

Summer is a time for relaxation, fun, and adventure – but it’s also a time when many parents struggle to keep their kids well-fed and nourished during the long summer vacation. With a bit of organization and creativity, however, meal planning for kids during the summer can be a breeze!

Get Creative with Fruits and Veggies

Some kids are not easy converts to the “fruit and veggie” heavy menus that every expert suggests that children stick to.

Getting kids to eat more fruits and veggies can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible! With a bit of creativity, you can create delicious and nutritious meals that even the pickiest eaters will love. Here are some ideas for fruit and veggie-heavy meals that kids will actually eat:

Smoothie bowls: Smoothie bowls are a fun and creative way to get kids to eat more fruits and veggies. Start with a base of frozen fruit and a liquid like almond milk or yogurt, and then add in some spinach, kale, or other leafy greens. Top with sliced fruit, nuts, and granola for a colorful and tasty breakfast or snack.
Rainbow salads: Kids love colors, so why not create a rainbow salad? Start with a base of mixed greens, and then add in a variety of colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Top with a protein like grilled chicken or tofu, and then add a fun and flavorful dressing like honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette.
Veggie-packed pasta: Pasta is always a hit with kids, so why not sneak some veggies into the sauce? Blend together cooked carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes to make a nutritious and flavorful pasta sauce. Add in some ground turkey or beef for protein, and serve over whole wheat pasta.
Stir-fry: Stir-fries are a great way to pack in lots of veggies in a fun and flavorful way. Start with a base of brown rice, and then add in your favorite veggies like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers. Top with a protein like shrimp or tofu, and then add a flavorful sauce like teriyaki or sweet and sour.
Veggie pizza: Who doesn’t love pizza? Swap out the traditional pepperoni for some colorful veggies like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Top with a sprinkle of cheese, and then bake until bubbly and delicious.

Shop Smarter

Another perceived bar to healthier summer eating is the cost. With so many fresh fruits and veggies in season, it can be overwhelming to navigate the grocery store or farmer’s market. But fear not – with a few smart shopping strategies, you can save time and money while still enjoying delicious and healthy summer foods.

Make a list: One of the most effective ways to shop smarter is to make a grocery list before you go to the store or market. This will help you stay organized and focused, and prevent you from making impulse purchases or forgetting items you need. You can use a simple paper list or try one of the many grocery list apps available, like AnyList or Out of Milk, which allow you to create and share lists with family members.
Shop the perimeter: When you enter the grocery store, start by shopping the perimeter, which is where the fresh produce, meat, and dairy are usually located. This will help you focus on healthy, whole foods, and avoid the processed and packaged items in the center aisles. Plus, shopping the perimeter can save you money, as fresh foods are often cheaper than pre-packaged options.
Look for sales and discounts: Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices at different stores. Many stores offer sales and discounts on fresh produce during the summer months, so be sure to check the weekly ads and circulars. You can also look for discounts on items that are nearing their sell-by date or buy in bulk to save money.
Shop at farmer’s markets: Farmer’s markets are a great way to buy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting your community. Not only can you find a wider variety of fruits and veggies than at the grocery store, but you can also often buy them at lower prices. To find a farmer’s market near you, check out the USDA’s Local Food Directories.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Whether you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the foods you’re buying. Ask the produce clerk or farmer about the best ways to prepare and store the items you’re buying, or ask for recommendations on new or unfamiliar fruits and veggies to try.

Focus on Better Kitchen Organization

Kitchen organization is key to successful summer meal planning. By having an organized and well-stocked kitchen, you can save time and money while still ensuring that your family eats healthy and delicious meals. Here are some tips for kitchen organization for summer meal planning:

Clean out your pantry: Before you start meal planning, take some time to clean out your pantry and get rid of any expired or unused items. This will help you see what you have on hand and prevent you from buying duplicates or unnecessary items.

Stock up on staples: Make sure your pantry is stocked with a variety of healthy and nutritious staples, like whole grains, beans, and canned tomatoes. These items can be used in a variety of recipes and can help you save money by buying in bulk.

Use clear storage containers: Use clear storage containers to store dry goods like pasta, cereal, and snacks. This not only keeps your pantry organized, but it also makes it easier to see what you have on hand and when you need to restock.

Invest in some storage solutions: Invest in some storage solutions like lazy Susans or pull-out shelves to make it easier to access items in your pantry or cabinets. These can help you make the most of your space and prevent items from getting lost in the back.

Organize your fridge: Keep your fridge organized by designating specific areas for different types of food, like fruits and veggies, dairy, and leftovers. This makes it easier to find what you need and prevents food waste.

When it comes to pantry organization, there are a few products that can help. Clear storage containers like these ones from OXO are great for storing dry goods, while pull-out shelves like these from Lynk can make it easier to access items in deep cabinets. For organizing your fridge, consider using these clear bins from mDesign, which can help you group similar items together and prevent spills.

if you need help getting your kitchen organized, consider reaching out to a professional organizer like Just Organized by Taya. Our team of experts can help you create a customized organization plan that works for your space and your lifestyle, so you can enjoy a stress-free and well-organized kitchen all summer long.

Make Use of Organized Meal Planning

Planning ahead and getting organized are key component of summer meal planning for kids. It not only helps you save time and money, but it also ensures that you have a variety of healthy and nutritious meals on hand throughout the week. Here are some specifics on how to effectively meal plan during the summer months:

Plan your meals around your schedule. During the summer, schedules tend to be more relaxed, so it’s important to plan meals that fit your family’s lifestyle. If you have a busy day planned, opt for quick and easy meals like salads, sandwiches, or grilled chicken that can be prepared in advance. On days when you have more time, plan meals that require a bit more prep work, such as a stir-fry or a slow-cooker recipe.
Get organized. Once you’ve decided on your meals for the week, make a grocery list to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This will not only save you time, but it will also prevent you from making multiple trips to the grocery store throughout the week.
Prep in advance. Once you’ve gone grocery shopping, take some time to prep your ingredients for the week. Chop vegetables, marinate meat, and cook grains or beans in advance to make meal prep a breeze. You can also make big batches of staples like rice or quinoa that can be used in multiple meals throughout the week.
Make use of leftovers. Leftovers are a great way to save time and money during the summer. Plan meals that can be repurposed the next day, such as grilled chicken that can be added to a salad or tacos that can be used in a quesadilla. This will not only save you time, but it will also prevent food waste.
Keep it simple. Summer meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to simple meals that require minimal prep work and use seasonal ingredients to keep costs down. Don’t be afraid to repeat meals throughout the week – this can actually help simplify your meal planning and save you time in the kitchen. Your kids don’t need a gourmet chef’s menu, just a healthy one filled with foods they like!

Get the Kids Involved

Getting kids involved in the meal planning process is a great way to help them develop healthy eating habits and get excited about trying new foods. Here are some tips for getting kids involved in meal planning:

Let them choose: Give kids a say in what they eat by letting them choose a few meals each week. Let them pick a protein, vegetable, and grain, and then work together to come up with a recipe. This will help them feel invested in the meal and more willing to try new foods.
Take them grocery shopping: Bring your kids along to the grocery store or farmer’s market and let them help you pick out fruits and veggies. Teach them about the different colors and nutrients in each item, and encourage them to try something new.
Get creative: Encourage kids to get creative with their meal planning by coming up with fun and colorful themes, like “Taco Tuesday” or “Pizza Night”. Let them help prepare the toppings and choose their favorite ingredients.
Cook together: Cooking together is a great way to bond as a family and teach kids important kitchen skills. Let them help with age-appropriate tasks like measuring, stirring, and chopping (with adult supervision).
Have a taste test: Set up a taste test with different fruits or veggies and let kids try them and rate their favorites. This can be a fun way to introduce new foods and get kids excited about trying new things.

By involving kids in the meal planning process, you can help them develop healthy eating habits and a love for nutritious foods. Plus, it’s a great way to bond as a family and have fun in the kitchen!

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Taya Wright, Owner and Principal at Just Organized by Taya

Just Organized by Taya, led by Professional Organizer Taya Wright, offers home organization, office organization and life organization services, in addition to interior styling services to residents across the Greater Houston area.

Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608