Back to the Grind Part III

Easy snacks & lunches

This is part three of getting back to the grind—helping you get organized and ready for back-to-school and Q4. The regular weekly recipes, shopping lists, and meal plans will resume in September!

We’re one week closer to the back-to-school season and getting back into routines. If you’re relaxing on a beach, save this for when you get back and continue enjoying your vacation.

If you’re in planning mode, today we’re getting ready for lunches for you and your kids. I don’t make recipes specifically for my kids’ lunches. I know some people do, but that’s not the norm for me. A few weeks ago, I started talking to my little one about what she wants in her lunch. I always find it helpful to go food shopping with my kids to make sure they have meals they’ll enjoy (and actually eat). Our staples are sliced red bell pepper, mozzarella balls, pretzels, and last year my oldest got into olives and roast beef sandwiches.

Today’s recipes are designed to inspire your back-to-the-grind lunches and make the morning scramble a little easier. A tip: Double up certain ingredients when you’re cooking dinner so you can eat them for lunch. I do this all the time with pasta, meatballs, and chicken.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

• Roasted Beet & Carrot Salad with Grilled Chicken

• Lentil Salad

• Green Goddess Chicken Salad

• Trio of Dips and Veggies

• Granola Bars

• Cookie Dough Bars

PS - Stay tuned for a special giveaway tomorrow!