Ordering Prepared Meals: Tips For Parents

Meal delivery services have made life simpler for many people across the U.S. If you're a busy parent, signing up for one of these services can ensure you have go-to meals to enjoy, even on nights when you don't have the time or energy to cook. Here are a few tips that will help you out if you're a parent about to order prepared meal delivery.

Consider ordering one portion for two kids.

Kids won't usually eat an entire adult-sized, prepared meal. If your kids are little, you may be able to order one prepared meal and split it between two of them—or maybe even three of them when they're very young! Teenagers, of course, will probably need their own meals in order to get enough to eat. Splitting meals like this can help reduce the amount of leftovers and food waste you end up with.

You may also want to check whether your meal delivery service offers kids' portions. Some do. They are typically smaller and priced lower than adult portions, so you can save money and reduce waste.

Designate a place in the fridge for the meals.

When prepared meals are delivered, you don't want to have to scramble and find space in the fridge for them. So, designate a place in your fridge for the meals, and only put the meals there. You may even want to label the space so that your kids don't put snacks and other items there. Keeping this space clear makes it easier to pop the prepared meals into the fridge while also holding a baby, monitoring playtime, or filling a sippy cup.

Order meals that are flexible to use.

When you're a parent, plans can change at a moment's notice. All of the sudden, you find out your youngest has a soccer game on Thursday, or your toddler needs to go to the doctor Wednesday afternoon. It's important to make sure your prepared meals are ones that will work with your often-changing schedule. Choose ones with a longer shelf-life. (Some meals will last longer in the fridge than others.) Also, avoid ordering meals that you would only want to eat on a specific night. For instance, if you know a certain food might give you heartburn so you don't want to eat it before a busy day, consider just not ordering that meal at all.

Prepared meal delivery services can be real life-savers for parents. Take the tips above to heart as you order.


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