We are going to keep this one short... You already have enough to do with getting everyone packed, arranging for someone to stay home with pets, AND actually meal-prepping and packing the food!
Let’s think strategically. We want to stay within our budget, keep junk food to a minimum & keep our little athletes fueled so they can excel during their weekend tournament!
SNACKS
These will be your savior. Pre-package everything before you go. Wash all the fruit. Chop all the vegetables. Shred all the cheese…You get my point. We are going to keep it simple, but filling and nutritious. Get your cooler ready…
- Apples, bananas, clementines
- Freeze grapes and orange slices - these taste great and keep the kids hydrated!
- Carrot sticks and hummus
- Celery and peanut butter
- Rice cakes and peanut butter are excellent for fuel during game day!
- No bake energy bites - always a major hit!
- Popcorn kernels with a paper bag - microwave!
- Pretzels, chunks of cheese, and grapes
- Trailmix
LUNCH
Most likely you won’t be able to get back to your hotel room to make something. I like to grab the cooler and pack it with quick and easy things the kids will likely inhale. This is where I will splurge a little for convenience.
- Individual greek yogurt
- Guacamole and hummus cups
- Cheese sticks
- Portable fruit like apples, bananas, clementines, or grapes
- Pre-cut bags of veggies
- Soft tortillas for a quick wrap - shredded cheese, leftover chicken, or healthy lunch meat and favorite condiment.
DINNER
Going out to restaurants multiple times over a weekend can be cost-prohibitive to many families. Eating out once with the team is a great way to bond. For the other lunch and dinners consider bringing your slow cooker, Instapot or Airfryer. Most hotels have a fridge and microwave. Use them!! Some meals my family likes while traveling is:
Slow cooker meals. I get up in the morning, throw it all in, and voila a delicious meal is waiting.
-Chicken Chili. I make sure I pack in the cooler - sour cream, avocado, and shredded cheese. For fun, I will often grab some tortilla chips to scoop with. Always a hit with my kids!
-Lasagna - insanely delicious after a long day at the rink. Side salad rounds this meal out.
Other easy options are:
Picking up a rotisserie chicken and making a caesar salad to go along with it. You can use the leftover chicken for sandwiches!
Premake taco meat. Bring soft tortillas to stuff along with shredded lettuce, tomato, green onions, and shredded cheese.
I promise everyone will feel so much better after eating nutritious meals and snacks over the weekend rather than at the canteen or drive-thru! Your pocketbook will be happier as well.
How do you pack for a weekend away? What kind of tips can you share with us?
Here at Simply For Life, we love helping families! We want to teach your entire family and give them the right tools for a healthier lifestyle.
