I love being with people. When we get a last minute invitation to the park I want to go, but living rurally means we will need to eat while we are gone. Do I have money for 4 meals out? No.
Even if you need to get out the door very quickly, you can still avoid the cost and compromise of that fast food window!
These are things you can grab from the fridge, freezer, or pantry and dash out the door! (Make sure all the kids are wearing shoes!)
If you do not know, a HotLogic is a great little soft sided crock pot that works great for my family to have hot meals in the van without going to the drive thru! It plugs into the car outlet and heats food safely while you drive. It’s basically magic.
In order to make these work on a whim you need to keep a “Dining In” kit in the car ready for a meal on the go. This should include bowls, plates, forks, spoons, knives and some paper towels. Put those in one of these containers under the passenger seat and you are always prepared.
Try one of these in the HotLogic for a budget friendly hot meal out:
- Meatball Subs – Frozen meatballs with whatever sauce you like; marinara, jelly and cocktail sauce, bbq sauce. Then you can pass them out as is or in a roll. My kids love things like this on a stick.
- Rotisserie Chicken – $5 will make a buncha meals. I pick the chicken and freeze some so it is always ready to go. I have also bought the pre-picked chicken from Walmart or Sam’s for an even easier meal. Add some cheese and tortillas for some great wraps.
- Prepared BBQ – These are often on clearance in my area and at the discount grocery store. This is a favorite because all you need is bread (buns if you are feeling fancy) and it is simple to eat in the car.
- Leftovers – I always try to pack some leftovers into one of my rectangle glass containers so there are great options in the fridge just waiting. Mac and cheese, chicken and rice, pot roast, pizza all work great in the car.
- Oatmeal – Flavored instant packs can be made quickly in the HotLogic. You can also do traditional oats slow cooker style. A really nice one to do in the colder months of outdoor play, it can warm up and fill up some little bellies.
- Quesadillas – Tortillas and sliced cheese. This will keep my kids happy through a long trip to the park. I love to grab sour cream for dipping and my husband uses some Taco Bell packets.
- Frozen Burritos – These are on my weekly meal prep plan. I make breakfast burritos and rice and bean burritos that everyone in my family loves. Keep it simple and buy some if there is a brand you like!
- Hot Dogs – Easy to warm them up and slice for the kids, or put in buns for bigger bellies.
- Rice and Beans – Have you seen these packs of precooked rice? They are often on sale right now and they are HANDY! This and a can of beans, chips or tortilla is a super filling idea for a long day about town.
No HotLogic, No Problem
Cold lunches have their place. If we are going to the local park and wont have time for the food to warm up or if it is a particularly hot day here in the South we opt for a cold lunch. The main idea is to pack food so that we can be flexible with plans, enjoy our location and make sure no one gets hangry.
These are my quickest options
- Snack Plate – We got these divided containers and I fill them with all the usual snacks, like pretzels, goldfish or crackers plus a cheese stick or some yogurt. I make sure to add a few chocolate chips or these dried fruit snacks.
- Cereal and Milk – Unconventional, but simple. As long as you have your van packed with a Dining In kit you are ready for an easy meal out. We do not eat cereal for breakfast most days, so this is a fun treat of a meal.
- Lunchmeat and Cheese – Classic road trip food in my family. I do not du sandwiches, but roll ups. Rolling cheese and deli meat together for a protein packed meal. We like those skinny pretzel sticks on the side. This one is so easy to clean up!
So, I hope these ideas can help you stick to your budget and convictions for family nutrition when you are short on time.
What do you pack when you need to eat away from home?
