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Writer's pictureTanya Louise

Food: Fun & Healthy Recipes For Hardworking Parents

Updated: Aug 9, 2021


We all try to juggle the work/life balance, but if you have a family there can be even more responsibility.


Parenthood involves managing schedules, accommodating children's specific needs, and learning that small successes define the strategies to deal with future challenges.







Being on top of tasks is crucial. Parents have to play the role of teacher, nurse, counsellor, friend, making the tough calls, and above all, trying their best to be role models.


On top of all these tasks, how can parents find the time to prepare their children delicious meals that will meet nutrition standards?


It can seem impossible. Living the life of a parent can find you falling asleep on velvet knocker chairs instead of a comfortable bed.

Don’t wear yourself too thin. Cooking and preparing meals for your children can take hours i, but the following recipes are meant to be served in five to ten minutes.


What’s more, is that you’ll be proud of making food that fuels your child’s body, is enjoyable, and above all lets, you have a little you time to get ready for a busy day.


Smoothies


The sweet thing about smoothies is that they can be healthy, refreshing, and quick to prepare. Simply add the appropriate ingredients to a blender, mix, and all you’ll have to worry about is cleaning one to two glasses for breakfast.


Smoothies can be purely made of fruits, veggies, or a combination of both. Leave store-bought juices behind, and experiment with different flavours in the comfort of your kitchen.


Berry Smoothie







Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup frozen raspberries

  • 1 medium frozen banana

  • ¾ cup almond milk

  • ¾ cup orange juice


Prepare: Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend away. If the smoothie feels too thick, add more almond milk or orange juice and blend again. Top it off with orange slices or a fruit of your choice for the final touch.


Nutty Banana Chia Smoothie






Ingredients

  • 1 large frozen banana

  • ½ cup plant-based milk (e.g., oat, almond, soy, cashew, etc.), coconut water, or juice

  • ½ tablespoon cinnamon

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

  • 2 tablespoons almond butter


Prepare: The almond butter is optional, just like adding cinnamon. Two tablespoons of almond butter will make your smoothie creamier. Blend all of the ingredients and have a taste.


Green Smoothie









Ingredients

  • 1 handful spinach

  • ¼ avocado

  • ½ frozen banana

  • ½ cup almond milk


Prepare: Instead of almond milk, you can opt to prepare your smoothie with soy or cashew milk. Either way, your preferences will play a role in the ingredients you choose to blend. As with the previous recipes, all you need is a blender and glass for the smoothie.


Oatmeal For Breakfast


A quick, easy to make, and filling breakfast. Eating oatmeal, according to experts, has the following health benefits: weight loss, lower blood sugar, and a reduced risk of heart disease.


OK, it might not sound as good as a muffin and latte for breakfast, but oatmeal for breakfast fuels your body with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.


Overnight Oats





Ingredients

  • ½ cup chia

  • 1 handful nuts (walnuts or almonds)

  • ½ cup oats

  • 1 cup almond milk

  • ½ cup blackberries or blueberries


Prepare: Cinnamon, maple syrup, and fruit toppings are optional. Try different toppings throughout the week for some change. In a cup or jar add the almond milk, oats, and chia seeds. Refrigerate this overnight and wake up ready to taste oatmeal. For toppings, add blackberries or other fruit, a handful of walnuts, and with a spoon, taste your masterpiece.


Peanut Butter Oatmeal






Ingredients

  • 1 cup oats

  • 2 cups almond milk (or soy milk if you prefer)

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon peanut butter (alternatively, choose almond butter)

  • ½ medium banana

  • 1 cup strawberries or another fruit of choice, or nuts


Prepare: Heat the almond milk or water in a pan and add the cup of oats stirring lightly. Give the oats two minutes to cook and sprinkle some cinnamon. In a bowl, serve the oatmeal and add peanut butter. Mix the ingredients with a spoon and top it all of with more cinnamon, slices of strawberries and banana.


Banana Oats Pancakes






Ingredients

  • 2 medium bananas (one should be ripe)

  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • ½ cup blueberries

  • 1 ½ cup rolled oats

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 cup non-dairy milk (e.g., almond, cashew, oat, soy milk, etc.)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Prepare: Once again, for this recipe, you will need a blender. Add the oats and blend them until there are no chunks. Then, add one ripe banana, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and your choice of non-dairy milk. Pour these ingredients in a bowl when blended and add the rest of the ingredients, mixing well until you have a smooth batter. Finally, heat a pan and pour some of the batter. Let it cook until you see bubbles on the centre of the pancake and its edges begin to cook. Flip the pancake and repeat the process on the other side. Go ahead and repeat the steps until your pancake is done. Serve the pancake on a plate, slice your second banana to top the pancake, and include some blueberries. For more flavour, treat yourself to maple syrup and cinnamon, and add toppings.


Excited For More?


Surfing through the internet is a great way to find recipes that use few ingredients and take a short amount of time to cook. Many online recipes for oatmeal and smoothies can be adjusted to fit dietary restrictions. For instance, if your child is allergic to peanut butter, swap and buy almond butter. If they are intolerant to dairy or vegan, choose non-dairy milk and products.


The choices are endless. All the recipes in this small guide are perfect to make your own adjustments.


What are some of your favourites?


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