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5 mealtime shortcuts for busy moms

Ensuring your toddler receives nutritious meals isn’t always easy, especially for busy parents juggling multiple responsibilities. However, with some strategic planning, Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree, and a few clever shortcuts, you can simplify mealtime without compromising on health. Here are some expert tips to help streamline your toddler’s meals while ensuring they remain balanced and nutritious.

1. Batch cooking and freezing

Batch cooking saves time and ensures that you always have healthy options on hand, reducing the temptation to resort to processed or fast food when pressed for time. Prepare larger batches of your toddler’s favourite meals, like this tasty Chicken Curry or this Veggie-loaded Cottage Pie, portion them into individual servings, and freeze. On busy days, you can simply thaw and reheat a nutritious meal in minutes. You’ll find a whole range of toddler-friendly, healthy and delicious meals and snacks under the Quick + Easy Recipe tab on the Squish website. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are developed with busy parents in mind. They’re made using only the best quality fresh fruit and veg, so you can rest easy knowing your child is getting a healthy dose of wholesome goodness. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees containno colourants, flavourants and preservatives, and have no added sugar or starch. 

2. Prep ahead healthy snacks 

Set some time aside once a week to wash, peel, and cut fruits and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, apples, and berries. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, then pair with a dip for a healthy snack or lunchbox fillers. To create a delicious sweet or savoury dip in an instant, simply stir Squish 100% Fruit or Veg Puree through a couple of tablespoons of plain yoghurt or cottage cheese. This Bean Dip is also tasty – prepare a batch to keep in your fridge. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees all come with resealable lids, so you can just use what you need then pop the rest in the fridge for later. 

3. Keep your pantry well stocked

Stock up on healthy “convenience” foods such as Squish 100% Fruit or Veg Puree, canned beans, and whole grain pasta. These items can be quickly combined to create a delicious meal. For instance, stir Squish 100% Butternut + Carrot or Mixed Veg through cooked pasta, top with cheese and pop under the grill for a delicious meal your little one will love. 

4. Create DIY snack packs

Create snack packs using small containers or reusable snack bags filled with a mix of nuts (for older toddlers), dried fruits, whole grain crackers, and cheese triangles. These packs are easy to grab on the go and ensure that your toddler is snacking on healthy options rather than processed snacks. Add a box of Squish 100% Pressed Fruit Juice to keep your little one hydrated. The 200ml size is perfect for toddlers and there are plenty of flavours to choose from, including Squish 100% Apple Juice, Apple + Grape Juice with Rooibos Extract, Pear + Prune Juice and Summer Berries.

5. Transform leftovers

Get creative with the leftovers in your fridge. Turn last night’s mash into these wholesome Potato Pops, or fill a pita with shredded leftover chicken or tuna mixed with Squish 100% Veggie Puree and grated cheese.