Tackling the madness: back-to-school food frenzy

by Alexis Estep, Guest Contributor

Yup, it's hard to believe—but it’s almost time to call an end to summer. With this

comes all the fury of back-to-school business. From school supply shopping to

organizing the family calendar, it can all start to feel a bit overwhelming. Add to that

the pressure of packing lunches and making sure your kiddos get a nutritious

breakfast, and it can be downright bonkers!

As a former chef, you might think I have it all figured out and that my four kids—

ages 10, 9, 7, and 5—have the most sophisticated palates on the block. To that I

say, who are you kidding?! I rely on shortcuts and deal with picky eaters just like any

other parent. But what I can offer are some tried-and-true suggestions that might

make this transition just a little easier.

Breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day. It’s incredibly versatile—you can

honestly eat it anytime—and it sets the stage for everything that follows. I love making

a big batch of pancakes over the weekend, knowing they can be reheated for

breakfast later in the week, used in place of bread for a PB&J, or turned into a

casserole when that “breakfast for dinner” craving strikes.

Other breakfast inspirations include:

• Overnight oats – Keep the base a simple vanilla and let the kids add their

toppings of choice in the morning.

• Green shake – Blend a frozen banana, a handful of spinach, almond milk,

and a scoop of vanilla protein powder.

• Teddy bear toast – Spread peanut or almond butter on toast and use

blueberries for “eyes” and banana slices for “ears” and “nose.”

• Cheesecake jars – These are packed with protein and a touch of whimsy. I

won’t gate-keep the recipe—who wouldn’t want cheesecake for breakfast?

Cheesecake Jars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk yogurt (I prefer skyr, but Greek works too)

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 2 tbsp cream cheese

• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• Splash of half & half or heavy cream

To serve:

• Graham cracker crumbs

• Fresh fruit, jam, or stewed fruit

The youngest Estep son making his own cheesecake bowl.

Directions: Add all of the cheesecake ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend on low for

about a minute to combine, then quickly mix on high to fully incorporate—just be

careful not to overmix. You can eat it right away or let it chill in the fridge for an hour

or two to firm up.

Now for the fun part: grab a jar or bowl, add graham cracker crumbs to your

liking, top with the cheesecake mixture, then finish with fruit. Voila! The best breakfast

or snack ever.

My kids love this recipe and have helped me make it several times. From

measuring ingredients to blitzing crumbs in the food processor, it’s a fun-filled

cooking experience for everyone!

Our family believes that moderation is the key to happiness. No food is “off-

limits” or “bad.” We explain to our kids that different foods have different effects on

our bodies. Some provide quick energy, some slow and steady, and others—while they

might look appealing or fun—don’t always leave us feeling our best. Which brings me to lunch.

We’ve taught our kids that they’re capable of making their own lunches, but they

need to be balanced. For example, they can’t just eat a pile of crackers or PB pretzels

—they need cheese or turkey slices with the crackers, and a fruit or vegetable

alongside. The goal is to balance quick energy (carbs) with lasting energy (protein, fat,

and fiber).

These lunches often look like DIY Lunchables or 30-second quesadillas—just a

tortilla laid flat on a plate, topped with shredded cheese, microwaved for 30 seconds,

then folded in half.

Empowerment is the name of the game. Encourage your kids to make choices

that serve both their bodies and their appetites. And try looking at fruit and veggie

intake over the week instead of the day. It helps us parents keep our sanity when we

zoom out and trust that, overall, they’re getting what they need.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are a few food blogs I love:

• www.pinchofyum.com/

• www.therealfooddietitians.com/

• www.yummytoddlerfood.com/

Hope this helps you on your family feeding journey this back-to-school season!

Feel free to drop me a line to share your favorite food blog, kid-feeding hack, or just

to offer some parenting solidarity. E-mail: alexis@estep.io