Weekly Spotlight: Meal Prep and On-the-Go Meals for Back-to-School!

There are many ways to set up for a successful school year, but knowing how to organize your meals and nourish your body can help keep your focus on your goals, rather than what to eat. Meal prep and eating on the go look different for everyone, so be sure to honor your body and your schedule as you plan. If your goal is to cook and eat more plant-based at home, starting with having one meal or snack planned can be incredibly helpful.

Whether you’re returning to school or work or just back to your usual routine, having a plan of what you’re going to or want to eat that week can be helpful. Not only does having a plan save you time, but it also helps you eat more intentionally, and even try out new recipes and enjoy plant-based foods. These meals and snacks are wonderful to try out!

If you’re looking for more recipes, check out this meal plan for back-to-school and meals that just need a liquid!

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 20,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy! And don’t forget to check out our Weekly Meal Plan Archives!  

This week, we’re bringing delicious, fully vegan, and plant-based ways to enjoy easy meals for on-the-go and back to school!

Overnight Recipes

Source: Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats

These recipes are great if you’re looking for something to prep the night before for the morning. this can apply to both easy breakfast options, including some casseroles and other dishes that benefit from an overnight marinade. like this Overnight French Toast Bake by Hannah Sunderani. The overnight marinade makes this easy to bake in the morning for an easy breakfast or meal prep option for the week. For the others, you can simply grab it and eat it on the go!

• Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats by Caroline Doucet
• Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats by Tara Weir
• Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats by Tara Weir
• Overnight French Toast Bake by Hannah Sunderani
• Creamy Mango Chia Pudding by Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler
• Warm Chia Pudding by Hayley Canning
• Protein-Packed Chocolate Chia Pudding by Lenny Wu

Meal Prep

Source: Sundried Tomato and Broccoli ‘Egg’ Bites

These meals are perfect for spending time meal prepping. If you’ve got easy access to an oven and some kitchen space, these meals are perfect to throw together and eat throughout the week. Meal planning is great if you’ve got a busy week ahead, and even having just one meal planned out can be helpful for your schedule!

• Quesabirria Tacos by Mitch and Justine Chapman
• Sweet Potato Granola by Sara Oliveira
• Tasty-as-Takeout Teriyaki Cauliflower Bowls by Jackie Akerberg
• Banana Walnut Muffins with a Maple Glaze by Sarah Ottino
• Tofu Breakfast Bites by Kathy Hester
• Sundried Tomato and Broccoli ‘Egg’ Bites by Lauren McNeill

Grab N’ Go

Source: Apple Almond Butter Snack

When it comes to on-the-go snacking, there are a lot of options. You could keep it simple and pack crackers, trail mixes, or even nuts for an easier snack. And for an honorable mention: fruit– easy to take on the go with some peanut butter for a filling snack, and most times you can eat it whole. If you’re looking to change up your snack game or start making your own snacks, these recipes are perfect. Learning what snacks work for you also helps you not have to worry if you get hungry while studying. Having a few, solid, go-to snacks is the best,

• Apple Almond Butter Snack by Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler
• Apple Peanut Butter Granola Bars by Andri Neocleous
• Salted Maple Pecan Pie Energy Balls by Angelina Papanikolaou
• Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls by Natalie Martin MS, RD and Lexie Staten MS, RD
• No Bake Cookie Energy Balls by Hayley Canning
• 3-Ingredient Mousse by Hayley Canning

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
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• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!