• A lot of people get discouraged thinking meal prep has to mean prepping everything or nothing. Find a middle ground that works for you.
• Prep the bare minimum—have raw veggies ready to roast and protein ready to cook. Grains like rice will last all week when prepped in advance!

For a quick make-ahead weekday breakfast that works in a lunch box, too, assemble yogurt parfaits in a jar. They're protein-rich, nutritious, and kid-friendly.

The steps:

• Spoon 3/4 cup Greek yogurt into a jar with a lid.
• Drizzle 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup ...

Setting up for breakfast before going to bed will save time and stress in the morning.

• For example, use the timer on your coffee machine.
• If you are having cereal, put out the bowls and spoons along with the cereal boxes.
• Have washed ber...

Have prepared one balanced snack after school and then tell kids that the next opportunity to eat will be at dinner.

Make sure that the snack has protein, high fiber carbohydrate, and some fat to keep little tummies satisfied.

Some examples would be plain Greek yogurt + granola + ...

• Make waffles from scratch and freeze them. Then, in the morning, just pop them in your toaster oven, and you are set.
• Also, you can make hard-boiled eggs the night before and store them in the fridge.

• Setting aside an hour or two on a Saturday or Sunday will help you tremendously during the school week.
• Look on Pinterest, flip through your favorite magazines, or look online to search for recipes. Create a menu for the week.
• Once you have some dinner recipe inspiration, wri...

Prepare lunch-packing bins on Sundays. Keep one in the fridge stocked with things like string cheese, yogurt, veggies, and washed fruit and one on the counter with items like granola bars, nuts, and single-serve applesauce pouches.

You can pick other ingredients/foods, but this gi...