Sidekicks knows that life can get pretty busy. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether you're coming or going, let alone what you're having for dinner. That's where Sidekicks can help!

Make a plan

Making a plan can be as simple as taking items out of the freezer the night before and placing them in the refrigerator to defrost overnight. When you’re on your way home from work or picking your kids up from school, you’ll know you have the starting point for your meal.

Avoid becoming a short order cook

There is nothing more frustrating than being in the kitchen catering to everyone’s likes and dislikes. Serve meals that you know are acceptable, but be sure to include a variety of different meals over the week that will appeal to the majority.

Serve part of supper before supper

The after-school crowd is usually starving when they get home. A plate of sliced fruit or vegetables will disappear quickly when kids are hungry. Pre-schoolers can munch on raw veggies while supper is being made. This keeps them occupied and tops up those nutrient-packed vegetable servings for the day!

Keep a well-stocked pantry

This is a key strategy to surviving the daily meal time madness. Packaged rice, pasta, and potato side dishes are a cinch to prepare and the perfect accompaniment to simple grilled meats and fish. Try to limit grocery shopping to once per week. You’ll be amazed at how much time you can save if you can avoid dashing into the grocery store on the way home.

Purchase a deli chicken

Cooked deli chickens can be a lifesaver at suppertime. Combined with frozen vegetables they can be the starting point for a chicken stir-fry or a chicken potpie. When combined with peppers, onions and spices, you have kid-pleasing fajitas. Extra chicken is delicious in lunches as part of a sandwich or salad. One deli chicken yields about 3 cups (750 mL) of shredded or diced chicken. Leftovers should be used within three days or frozen for later use.

Trying new foods as a family

Eating well as a family is a great way to encourage healthy meal patterns. Children are more willing to try new things if other family members are enjoying the meal. If you have a positive approach to eating healthy food and are willing to try new things, they may follow your lead. Try to avoid negative messages about foods - children can sometimes copy other family members’ dislikes before they even try a new food!

Cook once and eat twice

On the weekends, when you’re making a lasagna, casserole, stew or pasta sauce, always make enough for at least two meals. Store extras in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze and use within three months. Extra meals in the freezer are like money in the bank!

Get the kids involved in meal preparation

Learning how to prepare and cook healthy, tasty and nutritious meals is an important life skill. Determine age appropriate involvement in the meal preparation and let the kids help you out. It will be fun for them and give you a chance to get caught up on the news of the day!

Keep mealtime interesting by trying a new recipe every couple of weeks. Ask your family to help with ideas or come up with new recipes. It’s amazing what foods kids will try if they have been part of the meal planning process.