My Summer Lunch Adventures: A QA with a Homeschooling Parent

As a homeschooling parent and teacher, I've found that the summer break brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to preparing meals. This year, my kids are older and more independent, and my wife is working from home more often. This has meant stepping up my efforts in the kitchen to ensure I meet everyone's dietary preferences and schedule. Here’s a look at my daily lunch routine, and some tips on making the most of your summer.

How Do You Typically Prepare Your Lunches?

Instead of rushing to the grocery store every day, I often pre-plan my weekly lunches on a Saturday morning. I'll go through the fridge, freezer, and pantry and whip up a list of what I can use. A few days ago, I decided to spice things up with a homemade Thai-inspired dish. However, the results were a bit lackluster. More recently, I made a tuna pasta salad which was a hit, and the day before that, I had hot dogs for a quick and easy meal.

Can You Share a Recipe You've Prepared?

I would love to share a recipe I've recently attempted. Here’s a simple and refreshing wrap that I made:

High Protein, Low Carb, Low Calorie Wrap

3 oz of rotisserie chicken breast Steamed asparagus Roasted peppers A little mayo

To prepare, first, steam the chicken and asparagus. Then, slice the roasted peppers. Lay out a whole wheat wrap and spread a small amount of mayo. Place the chicken and asparagus on one end of the wrap, followed by the sliced peppers. Roll up the wrap and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Challenging the Routine: Summer Meal Planning

During the school year, meal planning is relatively straightforward. Breakfasts are usually variations of the same thing, a combination of bread with eggs and fruit, and lunches are generally just sandwiches and fruit which are easy to pack and perfect for school. However, during the summer when I’m home all day and my kids are more independent, my wife is also home for lunch

The Shift from Normal Lunches to Upgraded Meals

My wife and I both wanted to challenge the usual lunch routine, so I aimed to create a more varied meal that would appeal to all of us. This meant including more complex flavor profiles, such as homemade Thai dishes. Despite my best efforts, this particular dish was… mediocre. I’m fine with the more straightforward options, like tuna pasta salad which turned out much better. Sometimes, it’s all about striking a balance between effort and enjoyment.

Keeping the Variety

Lunches can often get repetitive, especially when you're limited to sandwiches and salads. To keep things interesting, try incorporating a few of these strategies:

Incorporate international flavors, like the Thai-inspired dish. Use ingredient combinations that aren’t typically together, like tuna pasta salad. Code meals that are higher in protein or fiber to keep everyone satisfied. Prepare some items the night before to save time during the week. Plan meals with different textures, like roasted vegetables and sliced meats.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your summer lunches are not only satisfying but also fulfilling and enjoyable for everyone involved in the household. Whether you're a working parent, a homeschooling mom or dad, or simply someone who enjoys cooking at home, these ideas can help you navigate the summer season with more variety and less boredom.

Conclusion: Meal planning and preparation during the summer can be particularly challenging when you have more free time but fewer dietary demands from your family. By diversifying your recipes and trying new flavor combinations, you can keep your lunches fresh and exciting. Happy cooking!