Back-to-School Simplified: Easy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners

The start of a new school year is an exciting time. However, if my Instagram direct messages are any indication, it also brings the challenge of getting back into a routine, especially with food. One of the most commonly asked questions recently is what kind of healthy meals I am feeding my family right now. The audacity that our people still want to eat, geesh! 🙃

First of all, friends, if you’ve been plugging your ears when I talk about meal planning, this is the season when meal planning is going to simplify your life. I promise it’s worth it to take a few minutes once a week to plan out your meals and run to the grocery store to make this transition smoother. Whether you’re dealing with busy mornings or need school lunch ideas, I am dishing you up some easy recipes for at-home and on-the-go favorite snacks, and meal planning tips to help you keep your family well-fed without the stress.

Back-to-School Simplified: Easy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners

Before School Breakfast: Keep It Simple and Stress-Free

When it comes to school mornings, the simpler, the better, am I right? I like to limit breakfast options to 3-4 choices because, let’s face it, too many options can be overwhelming. Have you ever been to a restaurant with a massive menu and found it hard to decide? The same goes for breakfast. Fewer choices mean faster decisions, and that’s exactly what we need when time is tight.

Here are our go-to, no-cook breakfast options that are nutritious, filling, and perfect for busy school mornings:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Start with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, then let your kids customize their parfait with granola and fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas, or, if you’re like my kids, add in a few chocolate chips, too. It’s a quick, protein-packed breakfast that they’ll love. And if you’re looking for something even simpler, my kids are huge fans of Chobani Flips, which combines yogurt with fun mix-ins.
2. Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are a lifesaver because you can prep them in advance. Boil a dozen eggs on the weekend, and you’ve got an easy grab-and-go protein source for the week. Pair with a piece of fruit or a slice of whole-grain toast for a more complete meal.
3. Protein Waffles: We love Kodiak protein waffles from Costco. Just pop them in the toaster, and breakfast is ready in minutes. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, Nutella, or peanut butter, and you have a hearty breakfast that keeps them full until lunch.
4. Bagels with Cream Cheese and String Cheese: A toasted bagel with cream cheese is a classic, easy breakfast that never fails. Pair it with string cheese for an extra boost of protein. This combo is perfect for those mornings when you’re running out the door.

These simple, no-cook breakfast ideas make school mornings less stressful and ensure your kids start their day with a nutritious meal that keeps them energized.

Prepping fresh produce in advance can streamline breakfast. Slice up apples, berries, or bell peppers and keep them ready in the fridge.

Simple Lunch Ideas for School

School lunches don’t have to be complicated to be healthy and satisfying. In fact, we’ve found that keeping it simple saves time and empowers our kids to take charge of their own meals. We’ve delegated lunch-packing duties to the kids with the help of our back-to-school free printable pack that breaks down lunch into easy categories. I print it off and write down the options for each category, and they pick what they want and pack the lunch.

This printable helps them pack their lunches by choosing one item from each category based on what we’ve stocked from our weekly grocery store run. Here’s how you can simplify school lunches:

1. Main Entree/Protein: Keep it simple with options like turkey and cheese wraps, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (if your school isn’t nut-free), or even a classic ham and cheese roll-up. These require little prep time and are easy for kids to assemble themselves.
2. Fresh Fruits: Stock up on easy-to-eat fruits like apple slices, grapes, or berries. Pre-wash and portion them into small containers or bags at the start of the week so they’re ready to grab and go.
3. Vegetables: Make veggies fun by offering baby carrots, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. Pair them with a small container of hummus or ranch for dipping. If your kids are hesitant about veggies, don’t stress—save the harder-to-sell options for dinner at home, where you can introduce new foods gradually.
4. Snacks: String cheese, whole wheat crackers, or a handful of nuts (if allowed) are easy, nutritious snacks that round out a packed lunch. These items are convenient and require no prep, making them perfect for busy school days.

Grab our happy notes and send a little love to school with your kids!

Keeping lunch simple and allowing your kids to take the reins will save time and help them develop healthy eating habits and independence. And remember, it’s okay if not every lunch is picture-perfect—what matters most is that your kids are fed and ready to take on their school day.

Just remember, kids don’t mind eating the same sorts of things. When I meal plan, I ask them what they want next week for these categories and stock up. Want more tips, check out this post.

Here’s my favorite chicken tortilla slow cooker soup recipe

Dinner: Simplifying Busy Weeknights

Dinner during the school year doesn’t have to be a source of stress, especially if you meal plan using our best-selling 52-week meal planner (grab it on Amazon here). After a long day of work and school, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen.

That’s why I focus on easy dinners that come together quickly, and everyone likes with minimal ingredients. Here are some of our favorite no-fuss dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights:

1. Rotisserie Chicken: Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or Costco, and you’ve got the main entree for multiple meals. Serve with a side of frozen vegetables (steamed in the microwave) and some whole-grain bread for a complete dinner.  Check out my favorite shredded chicken recipes here.
2. Slow Cooker Meals: On those days when you have a little bit of time in the morning, throw ingredients like chicken breasts, a jar of salsa, and a can of beans into the slow cooker. Here’s my favorite chicken tortilla slow cooker soup recipe. By dinner time, you’ll have a flavorful dish ready to serve with minimal effort. Plus, it makes leftovers, which I love for lunch. 
3. Sheet-Pan Dinners: Toss your favorite protein (chicken breast or ground turkey) and fresh produce (like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions) onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and seasoning, then bake for an easy dinner that feeds the whole family with minimal clean-up. My favorite sheet-pan dish is Italian chicken, potatoes, and green beans.
4. Leftovers Night: Don’t be afraid to designate one night a week as “Leftovers Night” or “fend for yourself” night. My husband grew up having popcorn on Sunday nights, and now we clean out the fridge snack tray. It’s a great option to reduce food waste and give yourself a break from cooking. Plus, it’s an opportunity for your kids to practice putting together their own plates from what’s in the fridge. It tends to be my kid’s favorite night of the week because they get to choose their own adventure.

Favorite Pantry Baskets

What’s The Snack Situation?

One of my favorite hacks for managing after-school snacks is my viral snack basket system. Each month, I head to Costco to stock up on a variety of snacks, mixing in our favorites with some healthier options and refrigerated treats (that I don’t keep in the basket). I have the kids divide the non-perishable snacks into four baskets (my favorite baskets), one for each week of the month. I put three up high and one down low for them to grab and go.

This method ensures that snacks last all month long and are evenly distributed. This setup keeps snacks organized and encourages independence, as the kids can choose their own snacks within the bounds of what’s available. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to ensure they have options for school lunches and school snacks as well.

A Simple 7-Night Dinner Rotation

If you want to simplify meal time for the first few weeks. Try a dinner rotation. These simple dinner ideas require little time and effort, yet they’ll keep your whole family fed and happy, even on the busiest of school nights.

1. Rotisserie Chicken Monday: Utilize rotisserie chicken for versatile meals like Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Caesar Salad, or Chicken and Rice. See how you can use 1 rotisserie chicken to make 3 meals here.
2. Taco Tuesday: Use ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken. Set out toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Serve with rice and beans.
3. Slow Cooker Wednesday: Prepare a crockpot Chicken stuffing bake (see the recipe here). Slow cooker meals cook while you’re out, providing a stress-free dinner.
4. No-Brainer Thursday: Opt for sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, or frozen pizza. Add a simple side salad or veggies.
5. Costco Ready-Made Friday: Pick up ready-made meals from Costco, like Street Tacos, Meatloaf, or Orange Chicken. These are great options that require minimal prep. Want more Costco recipes? Check this post out.
6. Pasta Night Saturday: Make Spaghetti and Meatballs. For convenience, use store-bought meatballs and pair them with garlic bread and a salad. This easy pasta meal costs just $7 and is a fan fave here.
7. Leftovers or Fend-for-Yourself Sunday: Use leftovers from the week or let everyone pick their meal. This is also a good night for freezer meals or simple options like sandwiches.

Check Out This Simple Wrap Recipe & More Here

Meal Ideas for On-the-Go

Having easy and portable meal options is essential when you’re on the sidelines or in the car. Here are some great choices for those busy days:

1. Wraps and Roll-Ups: Fill tortillas with deli meats, cheese, and veggies to make wraps. They’re easy to eat with one hand and pack well.
2. Sandwiches: Prepare sandwiches with your favorite fillings. Use whole-grain bread or mini bagels for a convenient size. I love to grab day-old baguettes from Jimmy Johns and make sandwiches at home. It feels like eating out for a fraction of the cost, and you can use the wrapping paper the bread comes wrapped in to wrap the sandwich back up.
3. Homemade Lunchables: Who doesn’t love a Lunchable or charcuterie box to go? Pack it with some deli meats, string cheese, nuts, crackers, fruits, and veggies.
4. Protein Bars: Pack protein bars for a quick and filling option that requires no prep.
5. Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are portable and easy to eat, making them perfect for on-the-go.
6. Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Pre-cut veggies like carrots and celery, and pack them with a small container of hummus or ranch dip.
7. Take Warm Things to Go: Take a hot dog, burger, or grain bowl on the go. Wrap it in a paper towel to wick away moisture, then wrap in tin foil and put in a lunchbox or cooler to keep warm. 

Want more ideas? Here are a few more meal ideas to go!

Favorite Veggie Container

Best Tweaks for Simplifying Meals

Here are some of Erin Port’s favorite tips for making meal times easier and more efficient:

1. Prepping Produce: At the beginning of the week, chop and store fruits and vegetables. This makes it easy to grab and go or set out for snacking. Prepped produce can also make meal assembly quicker and more convenient.
2. Snack Station: Set out prepped fruits and veggies before dinner so kids can snack on them while you cook. This reduces the likelihood of grumbling about hunger and makes dinner time smoother. Plus, they are more likely to try vegetables and find they like them. Here’s my favorite veggie container.
3. Dinner Buffet Style: Serve dinner buffet-style with a variety of options. This allows family members to choose what they want and makes cleanup easier since everyone can serve themselves.
4. Involve the Kids: Have your children help set the table and clear it afterward. This not only teaches responsibility but also reduces your workload.
5. Simple Clean-Up: Use disposable or easy-to-clean dishes and utensils to minimize post-meal cleanup in a super busy season!
6. Meal Plan: Plan and buy groceries ahead of time. Use the Simple Purposeful Living Meal Planner (get it on Amazon here) to organize your week’s worth of meals, making it easier to manage grocery shopping and meal preparation.

Simple Purposeful Living Table Talk Questions

Download the Simple Purposeful Living Table Talk Questions

Tips for Getting Kids to Talk at Dinner

Mealtime is a perfect opportunity to connect with your family. I always say that food brings them to the table, and then I get to enjoy time with them. It can be a great time to chat, but it can also be challenging to get kids to open up. Here are some tips to foster conversation:

1. Start with Simple Questions: Ask about their favorite part of the day or something fun that happened. Keeping questions light can help kids feel comfortable sharing.
2. Use Table Talk Cards: This is why we designed our Simple Purposeful Living Table Talk Questions. They help initiate small talk conversations. These cards cover various topics to keep dinner discussions engaging and help get everyone talking. I always learn something new! Download 10 weeks’ worth of questions here.
3. Make It a Game: Turn conversation into a fun activity. For instance, each person can share a high, a low, and a buffalo (Something weird from the day). 
4. Lead by Example: Share your own experiences and stories first. Kids are more likely to open up if they see you being open.
5. Don’t Force It: Some nights, kids might prefer to relax. Give them grace and let the conversation flow naturally.

Grab our Best-Selling Meal Planner on Amazon Here.

Simplify Dinner Planning with the Simple Purposeful Living Meal Planner

Managing meals during the school season can be challenging. The Simple Purposeful Living Meal Planner (get it on Amazon here) is designed to help with meal prep and meal planning. This tool makes grocery shopping and meal organization easier, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Just Remember…

With these easy breakfasts, school lunches, and dinner ideas, you can make the start of a new school year smoother and less stressful. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a simple lunch, or a no-fuss dinner, planning ahead and keeping meals uncomplicated can help you enjoy this busy time of year with your whole family. Embrace these practical solutions and find joy in everyday moments.

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