13 Easy, On-The-Go Meal Ideas, & How To Store Them Properly
Here at TFD, we know what it feels like to be limited on time. No matter how productive or ruthless we are with our calendar planning, we can all use an extra hour or two to accomplish everything we want or need to. This problem is made even worse in a culture like ours that puts pressure on people to be busy all the time (if you’re not working from sun up to sun down, are you really working at your fullest potential?), leaving us drained and without the energy or ability to do things outside of our jobs that are good for our wellbeing — like making a home-cooked meals. It’s not a fun predicament to be in, but sometimes, it’s unavoidable depending on the type of career you lead or if you’re a parent with a little one (or more) to look after.
Thankfully, there are ways to work around a demanding schedule. If you’re constantly on the run and low on time but really want to start making your own dishes rather than relying on storebought food, look no further than this story by Brittany of Pennies to Pearls. Here she shares some easy and quick meals you’ll love (whether you’re a mom or not) — plus some tips for how to keep them as fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
Any other Pearl moms out there that feel like they are always in need of easy on the go meal ideas? It doesn’t matter what time of year it seems to be, it is always a good idea to have some on the go dinner ideas on hand. In the summertime, your days and nights are full of fun activities with no time to sit down at the table. Fall is full of back to school events leaving you feeling like a busy Uber driver. Winter is packed with holiday parties. Springtime leaves zero time to keep the family holding still for dinner.
I am guessing that your family is similar to ours, always running around to movies in the park, bonfires at the beach, school meetings, last minute camping trips, sports practice, or really anything that requires a quick and mobile meal. Your budget can quickly be shattered without ingredients on hand for some quick on the go meals! Simple planning can save you hundreds of dollars each month avoiding the drive-thru! Here are 13 different meals to get your creative juices flowing when you’re short on time that your family and children will love.
1. Hot dogs
2. Tostadas
3. Casseroles
4. Wraps
7. Quesadillas
8. Burrito
11. Hamburger
12. Rolled tacos
13. Rice bowls
Wondering how you can keep these meals as fresh as possible when you’re on the go? Here are six tips I personally find useful for packing and storing your food:
1. If your meals have an ingredient that can get soggy then keep the ingredients separate. Examples would be things like keeping hotdogs and buns separate or dressings and salads separate.)
2. Next time you hit up fast food, save all your extra condiments in an easy to grab Ziploc bag. That way you don’t have to pack an entire bottle of ketchup in your bag.
3. It is easier to keep things cold than hot when you are thinking about easy on the go meal ideas. So cold dinners like salads or bagels are ideal.
4. Some meals will require wrapping in tin foil. If that’s the case then make sure to include a small folded paper towel in the foil with the food. The paper towel will absorb some of the condensation and keep your food from getting soggy.
5. It is worth the investment to find a really good insulated carrier that will keep your food hot or cold until you get to your destination.
6. My hubby’s cute grandma gave me this idea. She always keeps a handful of paper goods in her car. A two-gallon Ziploc bag is perfect for storing a few paper plates, napkins, and plastic silverware to keep in the car. I also thought that a 12” by 12” paper storage container would work great too!
Brittany is the owner of Pennies Into Pearls. She motivates and inspires women to make small changes in their daily lives that results in reaching life goals they never dreamed possible! She teaches that living frugally is only a stepping stone when you are living the Pearl Life! You can find her weekly on her website and YouTube channel.
Image via Unsplash
