By Carie Moore
When you just don’t have time to sit at the table…
When you are a busy mom, life can get hectic, but there are always mouths to feed. I have learned to prepare a bunch of grab and go meals or snacks for planting and harvest for all of us. Kids eat breakfast in the car on the way to meet the bus most mornings to save us time. They eat meals in the tractor or combine that we grab from the house when things get dropped off and clothes changed after school. Quick doesn't always need to mean unhealthy.
I have started keeping plastic containers from places that have nice lids and bottoms. I use those to take with me and prep meals in. Ones that were used for salads, coleslaw, a deli, etc. I usually only have to pack for myself and the kids that come with me or go with dad since we’re all in the field. Once in a great while I make something for all of us or any help we have and it’s usually whatever is on hand. Currently ground chicken and turkey is cheaper than ground beef so they get burgers based on cost and availability.
I think I’m one of the few people on earth who doesn’t like ranch dressing, so my best substitute for dip is unflavored Greek yogurt. You can substitute it for sour cream, dressings, dips, etc., just by adding your favorite seasoning.
Some of our go-to snacks or convenience store on the road items:
- Apples-Kiwi-Banana
- Veggie straws-baked chips
- Almonds
- String Cheese
- Beef Jerky
- Celery-Bag of small pickling cucumbers-bag of mini sweet bell peppers-Sugar snap or snow peas-prepackaged broccoli, cauliflower, carrot packages
- Unflavored Greek yogurt with seasoning pack added (from the salad dressing aisle) makes a single serving instead of taking a whole tub.
- Juice powder sticks (to add to water)
Here is a great meal with tons of options for anytime:
Quick Quesadilla Options
Variations for your needs:
Staple items:
Low Carb tortillas
Cheese (sliced/shredded/feta)
3 pepper and onion blend (precooked-helps to make a bunch and have on hand to just reheat)
Meat (leftover taco meat/sliced or diced turkey/ham/pulled pork or roast)
Spinach or lettuce
Eggs/egg whites (breakfast)
Sauces/toppings
Breakfast:
Fry or scramble eggs
Place tortilla open in pan or a sandwich grill
Thin layer of cheese
Layer eggs, peppers & onions, spinach, and ham/turkey on one half of tortilla, sprinkle cheese, hot sauce if desired
Fold in half and heat until desired temperature
Snack or on the go meal (deli style):
Place tortilla open in pan or a sandwich grill or eat as is not heated
Option A-Spread honey mustard, BBQ, wholly guacamole and Greek yogurt crème cheese, or and desired sauce
Thin layer of cheese
Peppers & onions, spinach, and ham/turkey on one half or tortilla, sprinkle cheese
Fold in half (heat if desired or roll into a wrap)
Option B - raspberries/strawberries, feta, almonds, spinach, cucumbers, and vinaigrette dressing
Option C - Pizza sauce, cheese, chicken/Canadian bacon/pepperoni, any veggies
Supper (taco style):
Place tortilla open in pan or a sandwich grill
Peppers & onions, taco meat on one half or tortilla, sprinkle cheese
Fold in half and heat until desired temperature
Top with lettuce/spinach, Wholly Guacamole, Pico, green onions, taco sauce, and unflavored Greek yogurt
While the quesadilla is cooking you can pack backpacks, put on kids' boots, pour your coffee, get kids in the shower, or other mommy tasks! The best thing is these can be eaten in a car on the way to school or activity which saves at least 10 minutes of time. They can also be packed and eaten later! It's a good mix of protein, fats, and carbs for those on the go. They're great for using up leftovers and not the same old sandwich. They go great with the baked tortilla chips and Pico/salsa on the side if desired.
We eat a lot of meals on the go during certain times of year but that’s where implementing a few small changes really makes a big difference. Sometimes my mom still brings me a Starbucks though, tractors and coffee!!!
