EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. – As classrooms fill and schedules tighten, many families struggle to serve nutritious meals every day. KRDO13’s fitness and wellness specialist, Summer Strong, offers practical, faith‑friendly guidance for busy parents who want to keep their children’s health a priority without spending hours in the kitchen.
Start with a weekly plan
Strong recommends setting aside a short planning window each Sunday. Write a simple menu that includes a protein, a vegetable, and a whole‑grain carbohydrate for each day. By anchoring meals to the family’s existing schedule – after school activities, sports practice, or church gatherings – parents can avoid last‑minute decisions that often lead to processed or fast‑food choices.
Batch‑cook staples
Cooking large batches of versatile ingredients saves time and reduces waste. Strong suggests roasting a tray of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes) with olive oil and herbs, grilling or baking a few chicken breasts, and preparing a pot of brown rice or quinoa. These components can be mixed and matched throughout the week, creating variety while keeping preparation under 30 minutes each day.
Portion and pack responsibly
Invest in reusable containers that are microwave‑safe and easy to label. Portioning meals ahead of time not only streamlines lunchtime at school but also reinforces parental responsibility – a core value for traditional families. Strong notes that involving children in the packing process can teach them about balanced nutrition and foster gratitude for the effort families put into their meals.
Healthy snacks on hand
Instead of reaching for sugary granola bars, Strong advises keeping simple snacks like fresh fruit, raw nuts, or cheese sticks ready in the fridge. These options support steady energy levels for after‑school homework and extracurricular activities, aligning with the constitutional right of families to make wholesome choices for their children.
Stay hydrated
Water should be the primary beverage throughout the day. Strong recommends filling a reusable water bottle each morning and encouraging kids to sip regularly, especially during sports practice or church youth events. Proper hydration aids concentration and overall well‑being.
Leverage technology wisely
The KRDO13 app offers quick access to health tips, recipe ideas, and local wellness events. Parents can set reminders for meal‑prep days, track grocery lists, and even watch Strong’s short video demonstrations for visual learners.
Faith and family at the table
Strong reminds families that sharing a meal is more than nutrition; it’s an opportunity for prayer, gratitude, and conversation. Setting aside even five minutes for a family blessing can reinforce the Christian values that anchor the household.
By following these straightforward steps, El Paso County families can navigate the back‑to‑school rush while preserving health, faith, and family cohesion. For more detailed guidance, watch the full video on KRDO13’s website or download the KRDO13 app for ongoing support.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
