Our family has recently started participating in extracurricular activities on some school nights. While it would be understandable for us to drive through for fast food on these nights, I don't want to start this habit. I have always taught my children that fast food is a "last resort" meal, not a treat.
That being said, we've still got to eat. On nights with kid activities scheduled, we don't have time to prep a meal and eat at home. I've realized that with a little planning I can feed my family healthier, cheaper, and faster than drive through.
Some solutions that work for us:
1. The old standby of leftovers. We do have enough time to heat and eat leftovers.
2. Crock pot meals. Usually if we are home the night before I can prep this meal. I turn on the crock pot in the morning, so that when we get home a hot meal is waiting for us.
3. Picnic dinners. My kids LOVE this! I have enough time in the morning to make a stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bag some baby carrots, snag a few pieces of Halloween candy, and toss a bottle of water in a tote bag. When I get home from work I grab the bag from the fridge and we eat on the way to or from our activities.
It is my responsibility to find 10 minutes to prepare a healthy meal for my family. It takes a little planning, but now it's a habit for me.
Real Fast Food
November 19th, 2008 at 07:28 pm
November 19th, 2008 at 07:45 pm 1227123938
November 19th, 2008 at 08:56 pm 1227128188
Lateely I must admit Wenesday night (Church night), has turned into fast food night, between picking up DS at his after school program then picking up the family friend I seem to have only a little time to change my clothes and drive to the church.
Tonight though I plan to make microwavable chicken sandwiches, but I still feel guilty because it is not the most healthy option. I NEED to research some crock pot meals. I think I am going to make Wednesday crockpot night.
Thanks for the Idea.
November 19th, 2008 at 10:00 pm 1227132036
In pot heat a can of salmon, a can of peas, and a can of cream of celery soup. Pour over toast.
Grilled cheese can also be quick to make. Actually what my Mum did was place the pieces of bread on a pan with a cheese slice on each. Put under the broiler. Watch them though because they can burn quickly. As soon as the cheese bubbles up take them out.
November 20th, 2008 at 02:20 am 1227147658
Couponaddict, I know it's such a balancing act after school sometimes, don't feel guilty! It gets easier with practice, and course you have to be realistic as well. I would always read about fast 30 minute meals, but sometimes 30 minutes is not fast enough. You just work with what time you've got!