Is it just me or are there too many numbers in my title?
Too many is the theme of this issue. Too many responsibilities and too many tasks each and every day. This is our reality as parents; a commitment and quasi-covenant between parent and child. While some embrace the busy life, others are overwhelmed by it. Either way, we’re juggling work, after-school activities, relationships, navigating the ins and outs of parenting - while simultaneously trying to feed ourselves and our children!
It always comes back to food. Preparing food, cooking food, sharing food. It ALWAYS comes back to food.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Day in and day out. [DON’T GET ME STARTED ON THE SNACKS!]
But what about the times when we have numerous, stressful work deadlines and don’t have time to fuss over dinner? Well, this issue is for you.
But what about the times when we’re so sleep-deprived we don’t have the energy to get up off the couch? This issue is for you.
But what about the times when we were too emotionally exhausted to even comprehend the concept of dinner. This issue is for you.
WHAT THIS ISSUE ALSO SOLVES FOR:
The parent who loves to cook but feels guilty when they don’t have time
The parent who hates to cook but feels guilty because they don’t want to
For anyone who doesn’t fit mold #1 and #2
This issue is dedicated to all my busy parents (all parents) who don’t have time to cook lavish meals or shop for specialty ingredients. The parents who just need a break. This issue is for us all.
We’re doing the best we can.
I have two disclaimers that may (pleasantly) surprise you -
DISCLAIMER #1
Balanced meals DON’T have to be fancy. They don’t have to be what we imagine typical meals to look like. They can be simpler than you think.
They don’t have to be salmon with a side of brown rice and broccoli. They don’t have to be spatcocked chicken with lemon and herbs.
If you're wrestling with this notion of a picturesque dinner plate, let this be your invitation to break free of this archetype. I am granting you permission to let it go.
*Initiate shock*
DISCLAIMER #2
Foods don’t have to be categorized based on the time of day. I am no historian but when did oatmeal and eggs become beholden to breakfast?
Traditional “breakfast” foods can be served for dinner. *Shock*
Traditional “dinner” food can be served for breakfast. *Mind blown*
Food is food, as it should be.
Here are 10 5-minute meals that can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These 5-minute meals do NOT require you to have:
Leftovers in the fridge
Obscure ingredients in your pantry
Cooking skills
These 5-minute meals WILL be:
Nutritious and balanced
Easy to assemble with pantry stables
Easy to prepare
Delicious
Adaptable
Drum roll please…
10 5-Minute Toddler Meals
Quesadilla with Avocado and Peas
Place shredded or thin slices of cheese in a quesadilla and microwave for 30-seconds or until cheese is melted. Serve with peas and avocado slices.
Build Your Own Oatmeal
Place some quick-cooking oats (my favorite) on the stove with water or milk. Add chia/flax/hemp seeds while it’s cooking. Serve with nutritious toppings such as unsweetened coconut chips, dried or dehydrated fruit, nut butter, or nut crumble (finely blended assortment of nuts).
Scrambled Eggs with Toast and Crudité
Make some toast. Make some scrambled eggs. Slice some raw veggies. Plate it. Isn’t this non-recipe recipe the best?!
Eggs with Crackers, Cucumbers, and Oranges
Slice hard-boiled eggs and lay them neatly on whole grain crackers. Slice cucumbers into half-moons. Slice an orange.
Grilled Cheese with Tomato and Avocado
Place shredded or thin slices of cheese in the middle of two slices of whole grain bread. Fry it up with some avocado oil or butter. Slice down the middle and serve with sliced tomatoes and avocado.
Yogurt with the Works
Add unsweetened whole Greek yogurt to a bowl. Top with fresh sliced berries or freeze-dried berries. Top with nutritious cereal and chia and hemp seeds.
*Favorite nutritious cereals are: Plain Cheerios, Unsweetened Three Wishes, Seven Sundays
Avocado Toast with Tomato and Cheese
Make some toast. Add mashed avocado to toast. Top with sliced tomato. Serve with sliced cheese.
Banana Sushi
Spread a thin layer of nut butter on a tortilla. Place 1 peeled banana on the end of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla over the banana tightly and roll. Slice into slices.
Green Smoothie Bowl (with the works!)
Add spinach, 1/2 cup fruit, 2 tbsp of peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, and milk to a blender. Blend. Top with sliced almonds, cereal, and/or freeze-dried fruit.
Open-Face Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Toast a whole wheat English muffin. Add peanut butter and sliced bananas. Serve with sliced veggies.
Ok, do we feel relaxed? Less stressed with one less meal to think about? Let me know. I want updates about how and if these non-recipe recipes helped you during the busy season.
Warmly,
Dahlia
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YES! I’ve been feeling so tired lately and half my problem has been meal planning for the toddler 🤦♀️ I feel absolved from the elaborate menu planning I feel like I need to do! This couldn’t have been more timely!
So easy, nutritious, and delicious! Can’t wait to try them all!