Getting back into the school routine after summer break can sometimes feel chaotic. Mornings tend to feel more rushed, and evenings fill up with sports and other activities. Whatever can be done to make the back-to-school transition easier and more seamless is a win. Here are some simple time-saving tips that will make fueling busy bodies on school days one less thing to worry about.

Keep simple breakfast options handy

The morning hustle leaves little time to prepare a balanced breakfast. Foods such as hardboiled eggs, Greek yogurt, overnight oats, cottage cheese, pre-cut fruit and whole grain cereals, waffles or granola can all be quick breakfast options that still pack a lot of nutrients. Pro tip: keep a small list on your refrigerator assigning a quick combo with a day of the week (i.e. Monday – yogurt, fruit and granola) to take one more decision out of the morning busyness.

Plan ahead

The age-old question, “what’s for dinner?” can haunt many families at 5pm. Sitting down at the beginning of the week for a few minutes with the family calendar to make a meal game plan for the week can save a lot of time (and stress!) in the long run. For example, evening soccer practice on Wednesday means cooking extra earlier in the week for leftovers, or a flexible Thursday evening may mean more time to try that new recipe you’ve been eyeing.

Stock the snack drawer

To keep up with growing appetites, balanced snacks are essential to keep bodies fueled and full until the next meal hits. To make after-school snack time quick and easy, keep pre-sliced and washed peppers, cucumbers, carrots, melon, berries and pineapple to pair with hummus, cheese, nuts or nut butters to save time when the hangries hit. Our Hannaford SnackPals include a fruit or vegetables paired with some protein and/or healthy fats as another convenient snack option that is perfect to keep handy during the back-to-school time and beyond!