If you can get Susie to ballet by five and Jacob to his soccer game across town by 5:30, in rush-hour, you can do practically do anything.

So, when you sometimes—just for a second—think zipping through the drive-thru seems like the only way to feed your car full of hungry little athletes and mathletes, remind yourself of the superhero you are. With these easy-peasy, healthy on-the-go, dinner ideas—the drive-thru line won’t stand a chance against you.

Meal Prep Bowls with Chicken

Meal-prepped chicken dinners can be your ultimate life saver when it comes time to packing quick dinners to eat in the car. All you need is a microwave—or eat it cold—and a fork before heading off with this meal that’s been anxiously waiting for you in the fridge. Pair the chicken with some rice, veggies, and maybe even some black beans if you’re feelin’ it.

Grilled Chicken Avocado Wrap

A wrap made with grilled chicken, avocado, and spinach. It’s a meal that’s super easy to make yet yummy and nutritious—all at the same time! Need a recipe? Here’s one!

Protein Bistro Box

Add a couple of hard-boiled eggs, grapes, sliced apples, cubes of cheese, and peanut butter with crackers in a bistro box, and you’re good to go!

Decked-Out Egg Muffins

Combine browned turkey sausage, beaten egg whites, and shredded cheese. Pour in a muffin pan—don’t forget the baking cups—and bake ‘til golden brown. Egg muffins make for filling and tasty heat-and-eat meals.

Pasta Salad

Pasta is often the weeknight dinner hero. Cook up some gluten-free noodles, throw in some chicken, add in red peppers, and toss in your favorite light salad dressing. Chill overnight. The next day, throw it in your favorite food storage container and BAM—this dish can be easily transported to and from errands and activities.

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Use corn tortillas and roll in some deli fresh oven roasted turkey, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Cucumber Sandwiches

We’re not talking about the kind of cucumber sandwich when you’re enjoying your afternoon tea. We’re talking about using cucumbers as a replacement for bread! Cut up some turkey slices and throw it in between and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Avocado Egg

You heard that right. Start with poaching an egg, remove the outer skin of the avocado and wrap it in the lovely prosciutto. It provides a great source of omega-3s, protein and healthy fatty acids. And, it’s super easy to eat when traveling! Get the recipe here.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Simple, and always a good idea—might as well throw on the peanut butter and jelly song while you’re at it!

Garlic Hummus with Wheat Thins

This dynamic duo is perfect for a quick grab when heading out the door. Throw the wheat thins in a baggy or, try Sabra’s ready-to-eat hummus with pretzels! It’s the perfect size to store anywhere when traveling.

Fruit Salad

Combine whatever fruit stored in your fridge and pack it up. This is great if you’re planning to eat right away because fruit can only stay fresh out of the fridge for about two hours.¹

Fruit Cups

Next time when you go grocery shopping, load up on Dole fruit cups! Peaches, mandarins, etc. are great when traveling and they even come with a mini spork! You might want to have some wet naps on hand, they can get pretty sticky when trying to open.

Veggie Salad

Lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and wa-lah! It's a breeze to make, especially if you use precut veggies and a mason jar.

Granola Bars

Oaty and nutty bars are perfect for the car ride! Great source of fiber to help keep the belly full.

Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter

Peanut butter provides a great source of protein, and it’s a healthy fat! Slap it on a few celery sticks and you’re good to go.

Bag of Nuts

Nuts provide a great source of protein and are filled with omega-3 fatty acids. All nuts contain fiber which is great when trying to feel full and eat less.²

Veggie Juice

This beverage is a great way to get nutrition in your little-one’s growing body.

 

References

1 https://foodsafety.wisc.edu/assets/pdf_Files/safe_handling_produce.pdf

2 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635