Simple Ways to Keep Your Family Nourished During the Holidays
November often marks the start of the chaotic holiday season; there are school events, travel plans, holiday errands, and tempting treats everywhere. Family meals can easily take the back seat, leading to more takeout and fewer vegetables. But even during busy times, it’s possible to keep meals simple and nourishing. In today’s post, I’ll share practical ways to feed your family without overcomplicating mealtime.
Focus on healthy patterns
Nutrition is about balance over time, not a single meal. Flexibility is key; one heavier meal won’t undo the healthy habits you’ve built throughout the day or week. Try looking at your meals over several days instead of focusing on perfection every day. For example, if you’re eating a heavy dinner out, choose lighter meals earlier in the day that include plenty of veggies and lean protein.
Use the plate method as a guide
Keep each meal simple using this easy template:
Protein: chicken, beans, eggs, tofu
Starch or whole grain: potato, brown rice, pasta, quinoa
Vegetables or fruits: fresh, frozen, canned
Here are a few quick meal ideas that follow this guide:
Scrambled eggs with veggies + whole grain toast and avocado
Lentil soup + green salad + roasted potatoes
Roasted chicken sandwich + fruit on the side
Embrace healthy shortcuts
Convenience isn’t, cheating, it’s smart! Keep the kitchen stocked with simple, ready-to-go staples like:
Pre-chopped veggies
Frozen fruits and vegetables
Canned beans and lentils
Rotisserie chicken
Quick-cooking grains
Having these things on hand makes it so much easier to pull together a balanced meal, even on your busiest days.
Keep breakfasts and snacks simple
Don’t overthink breakfast. Start the day with something simple and nourishing, like:
Low-sugar Greek yogurt + fruit + low-sugar granola or chopped nuts
Egg bites + whole grain toast
Keep snacks easy to grab by storing them in a visible spot in the fridge or pantry. You can even post a snack list on the fridge so the whole family knows what’s available. Some simple snack ideas are:
String cheese + apple
Peanut butter + banana
Hummus + chopped veggies or whole grain crackers
Hard boiled eggs
Trail mix
Keep meal prep times short
You don’t need to spend an entire day meal prepping. Spacing out small tasks and spending just 10 minutes here and there can make a big difference. Try simple prep steps like:
Roasting extra veggies or baking additional chicken while cooking dinner
Cooking a large batch of grains to use throughout the week
Washing and cutting fruits and veggies all at once for easy gab-and-go options
Simple meals can still be healthy and low-stress. Focus on healthy patterns, stay flexible, and embrace shortcuts. Try a few of these tips this week and see how much easier mealtime can feel!
