Healthy Back-to-School Recipes on Global News Morning

Back-to-school season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about packing delicious and nutritious lunches and snacks for your kids. During my Global Morning News TV segment, I share three of my favourite healthy back-to-school recipes. We explore some creative and easy ideas to keep your little ones fueled throughout the school day. From simple sandwich upgrades to fun and healthy snack options, I’ve got you covered for a successful and stress-free back-to-school season. The segment aired on August 26, 2024, watch it here.

Healthy Back-to-School Recipes

During the day, kids need to consume healthy fats and protein to stay focused and energized. Healthy fats such as those found in avocados, and seeds provide long-lasting energy, while protein from sources like lean meats, dairy, quinoa and legumes helps to keep them feeling full and satisfied. Including these nutrients in their meals and snacks can support their overall well-being and cognitive function throughout the school day.

Homemade Chia Jam

Traditional jams are often loaded with sugar and don’t usually offer much in the way of nutrition. With this recipe, I wanted to bring you a low-sugar option that will actually keep you feeling full! This strawberry jam features only four ingredients, is packed with protein and healthy fat, and is so easy to make! Get the recipe on my website.

SB&J Waffles

My kids love PB&J, but we can’t have nuts (sesame seeds or coconut) at our school so I use unsweetened sunflower seed butter in their sandwiches. When strawberries are in season, I also like to use homemade chia jam. To bump up the protein even more, I swapped regular bread for protein sandwich waffles which are made with quinoa flour and Greek yoghurt.

Protein Sandwich Waffles

(gluten-free, vegetarian, nut-free)

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Makes 4 depending on the size of your waffle maker

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup quinoa 
• 3 eggs
• 1 banana
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• ¼ cup plain Greek yoghurt

Directions

1. Place quinoa in a food processor and blend until you reach a flour-like consistency. Pour it into a bowl and set aside. 
2. Place everything in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add the quinoa flour and blend until smooth. 
3. Pour ½ cup (depending on the size of your waffle maker) into a waffle iron and cook until the light turns green. I like to cook them on the 4 setting. 
4. Enjoy as a high-protein alternative to bread. 

Chocolate Quinoa Bites

These chocolate bites are really unique and very easy to throw together. They are super moist and have an intense chocolaty flavour. They are a perfect way to use up extra cooked quinoa and taste even better after a night in the fridge. Get the reicpe (along with over 30 others) in my Healthy Dairy Free Deserts Cookbook.