1. Mini Egg Muffins (Make-Ahead Bites)
Why: High in protein, customizable with veggies, and easy to grab in the morning or pack in lunchboxes.
Ingredients (makes 12):
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup chopped spinach or kale
- ⅓ cup shredded cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup diced cooked ham, turkey, or mushrooms
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or use silicone liners.
- Whisk eggs and milk in a bowl, season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in veggies, cheese, and ham/turkey if using.
- Pour mixture evenly into muffin cups (about ¾ full).
- Bake 18–20 minutes, until set and golden.
- Cool before storing in the fridge (lasts 4 days).
Great cold or reheated — kids can eat them as finger food, and adults can pair with a salad or wrap for a complete meal.
2. Turkey & Veggie Wraps
Why: Quick, protein-rich, and easy to hold for kids or adults.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat or spinach tortillas
- Hummus or cream cheese spread
- Sliced turkey breast (or chicken)
- Spinach leaves or lettuce
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced bell peppers
- Optional: avocado slices
Instructions:
- Spread hummus or cream cheese on tortilla.
- Layer turkey, spinach, carrots, peppers, and avocado.
- Roll tightly and slice into halves or pinwheels for kids.
3. Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Why: Perfect for breakfast-on-the-go or a healthy snack.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ apple, diced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp chia seeds (optional)
- Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
- Combine oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and cinnamon in a jar.
- Stir in diced apple.
- Refrigerate overnight, grab in the morning.
4. Asian-Inspired Crunchy Noodle Salad
Why: Vibrant, crunchy, and keeps well for a few days in the fridge.
Ingredients (serves 2–3):
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup cooked soba noodles or whole wheat pasta, cooled
- 2 tbsp chopped peanuts or cashews (optional)
- 2 tbsp cilantro or parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Optional: a pinch of chili flakes
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, noodles, and nuts.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over salad.
- Toss well to combine.
- Store in an airtight container; keep dressing separate if prepping more than a day ahead to prevent sogginess.
- You can swap the noodles for edamame or shredded chicken to make it higher in protein.
Tip: Prep these on Sunday night, and you’ll have lunches and snacks ready for the week without stress.