Simple Meals To Make If You're a Busy Parent

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Juggling sports practices, homework, family time and your job makes parenting one of the busiest seasons in your life. Feeding your family simple, quick, and healthy meals is essential. Try making these simple meals this week that will nourish your kids and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Butternut Macaroni and Cheese

Kids love macaroni and cheese and bumping up the nutrition and flavor of the dish with some butternut squash makes it a win for everyone in the family. Use pre-chopped butternut squash available at the store to save the time of prep work. Make your family's favorite homemade macaroni and cheese or your favorite boxed version. Steam or roast the butternut squash and mash it. Stir it into macaroni and cheese while warm and enjoy the sweet addition of the squash.

English Muffin Pizzas

Pizza is a great way to keep everyone in the family happy and satisfied. Simplify it on a weeknight by making English muffin pizzas. Cut whole-grain English muffins in half and spread with prepared pizza sauce. Top with low-fat mozzarella cheese, turkey pepperoni, olives, chopped bell pepper, and mushrooms. Change it up with some new flavors and let your kids help in the kitchen by switching up the toppings to whatever veggies and fruits are on-hand. Bake until the cheese is melted.

Chicken Salad in a Pita

Families with multiple kids that are in a variety of activities may not make it home for the evening meal. Forget having to stop at the drive-thru and make some chicken salad pitas that can be taken on the road with your family. Make some chicken salad ahead of time by combining shredded rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt, dried cranberries, and sliced green onions. Add salt or pepper to taste. Put it in a container and place it in a cooler along with a package of whole-grain pitas. When it is time to eat, simply spoon the filling into the pitas. Serve alongside some cut up vegetables for an easy meal that can go with you.

Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Nothing is better than coming home after a long day and finding that dinner is ready in the slow cooker. Start this meal in the morning before leaving for the day and come home to enjoy it. Combine frozen meatballs, pineapple chunks, chopped red onions, and bell peppers in the slow cooker. Top with your favorite sweet and sour sauce. Turn the slow cooker to low and cook for seven to nine hours. When it is done, serve it over warm brown rice.

Whole Grain Cereal

Whole-grain cereal is high in fiber, vitamin B, and healthy fats. It is also adored by kids and parents alike. The American Heart Association says that eating a diet high in whole grains may help reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Simply buy muesli cereal or another whole-grain cereal option. For a well-rounded meal, add sliced fruit and protein-rich dairy or nut milk to the muesli. Serve it immediately and fill up your children's bellies before rushing off to the next activity.

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is a great way to re-purpose leftovers into a new meal. Save leftover cooked ground beef or mashed potatoes and place them in the freezer ahead of time. Defrost them in the refrigerator. Combine the ground beef with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen

peas and carrots. Top with the mashed potatoes and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.

Fish Tacos

Fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep inflammation down and your family's hearts healthy. Enjoy fish during the week by making fish tacos. Take frozen fish fillets and cook them in the oven according to the directions on the package. Take coleslaw mix and combine it with lime juice and mayonnaise and set aside. When the fish is done, place it on a warmed corn tortilla and top with the slaw mixture. Drizzle on your favorite salsa and serve with vegetables and pre-made Mexican rice for a well-rounded, easy meal.

Don't let feeding your family healthy meals overwhelm you. Try adding these simple, healthy meals to your family's menu this week. Your entire family will enjoy them, and you will love knowing that you are giving your family a nutritious meal at the end of a long day.