If there is one thing I have learned from being a mom is meal planning and plan for the unexpected. I am sure we can all relate to that time when you got home late, forgot to remove protein from the freezer for dinner, and you have a hungry toddler at your feet. Yes, we have all been there. Since having kids, I keep a handful of simple, quick, and nutritious foods in the fridge at all times for those crazy days. Healthy eating does not have to be complicated, fancy, and/or require a lot of time spent in the kitchen. I have rounded up my top 5 healthy foods for busy mom’s.
I try to keep my fridge and pantry packed with these healthy, convenient, and portable foods to keep my family satisfied regardless of where we are. I often rely on these foods when we are out and about running errands, on hikes, and/or need to quickly put together a healthy dinner. My top 5 healthy foods for busy moms are kid approved, nutritious, delicious, and easy to clean up.
1). Fruit and vegetables:
Its no surprise here. As a dietitian, vegetables and fruit are always at the top of my list. Vegetables and fruit are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Focus on eating the rainbow and aim to eat at least 1 green vegetable per day. My go to vegetable when it comes to young kids is broccoli. I like it because its green and easy to cook. Have you ever roasted broccoli? Its a game changer, I promise. My girls love carrots and I like them because again they are easy, portable, and healthy. Finally, when it comes to fruit we like to eat whatever is in season. Luckily, my girls will eat most fruits.
2). Avocado:
What’s not to love about avocados. Their smooth and creamy texture plus versatility makes them a great food for the whole family. Avocado’s are a great source of healthy fats- monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. I also love the fact that you can find avocados just about anywhere. Avocados make a perfect first food for introducing solids to babies.
3). Hummus:
Hummus is a staple on our house. Sometimes when we are in a pinch we have raw vegetables with hummus, like most kids, my girls love dips. Hummus is a great source of fibre and protein. You can easily make your own and I tried this caramelized onion hummus from Home Grown Life but if your in a pinch store bought versions as just as tasty and healthy.
4) Nuts:
I love nuts for many reasons. I always carry a container in the car for those unexpected delays and hunger strikes. Nuts are a great source protein, fat, potassium, and iron.
New evidence suggests delaying the introduction of high allergy foods such as eggs and nuts does not protect against food allergies. Instead parents should introduce high allergen foods early and to continue to serve them to maintain their tolerance level.
5) Eggs:
I love eggs not only are they nutritious but they are super versatile. I love to make omelet with tons of vegetables, avocado, and fresh herbs. I will often boil an egg and add it to a green salad for lunch. I recently came across this egg avocado sandwich from pinch of yum which looks perfect for a picnic or quick dinner. Eggs are inexpensive, easy to prepare ,and full of good nutrients such as protein, iron, folate, Vitamin A, D &E and choline.
What are your go to foods on those busy nights?
