Meals on the Go

For many, it's that time of year that dinners end up being concession stand food or whatever drive thru options they can find. With just a little planning ahead, you can avoid both of those. Normally, meals on the go end up being just for the kids, but these are adult friendly meals as well. Most of these ideas are glorified (or not) packed lunch ideas, but depending on what your child had for lunch that day, they probably won't mind!

1. Quesadillas are easy to put together and make, simple to wrap individually, and stack nicely. Quesadillas can be filled with anything - chicken, black beans, sautéed zucchini, even plain cheese. Fill a few cups with easy-to-make guacamole (chopped tomatoes, mashed avocados, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt) and you have an easy side. To add even more to this meal, mix up some frozen corn kernels, chopped tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, salt and lime juice in a bowl and bring a few forks or spoons. 

2. Pasta salad is another really easy to-go option and can be made with anything you have on hand. We prefer a Greek style one. I try to find some leftover chicken to chop up or shred, or I keep it vegetarian. Add whatever chopped raw or cooked vegetables - leftover roasted veggies make a great addition too - some cheese and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. 

3. This next one goes along the lines of a concession stand meal but homemade is always better (& cheaper!). Hot dog rolls or big pigs in a blanket are an easy make ahead, wrap individually, and grab to go. These are our go-to brands for this: Immaculate Baking or Annie's Crescent Rolls, and Applegate hot dogs. Bring fruit and cut up veggies for sides, and you're set!

4. This is a basic but not forgotten one, and it depends on whether your child already had one for lunch - sandwiches! To spruce up a regular sandwich, change up the bread. Make it a sub or wrap. Slice up some tomatoes and avocado for it. Pop it in a sandwich maker (or panini machine) to melt the cheese. The options are endless!

5. Lastly, use a thermos (or multiple ones) for bringing hot meals on the go. Leftovers are great options for this or make a quick rice-and-beans dish (or a chipotle style burrito bowl), mac n cheese n peas (or other veggie), stir fry, or even "super" eggs (scrambled eggs with spinach or kale). 

Again, the key to this is planning a little ahead of time. Aside from having a stocked fridge and pantry, give yourself time earlier in the day or even the night before to prep. Sometimes I will make lunches for school AND dinners for sports practice the night before. It's just easier to do it all together! Be creative. And bring extra fruit.