5 Easy Meals To Fuel After-School Activities

asian chicken quinoa salad

As every parent knows, the season of running from school to countless extracurricular activities is upon us. How best to get everyone fed along the way? Avoid the temptations of the drive-through by having one of these nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals instead.

Shredded rotisserie chicken paired with protein-rich quinoa will help soothe tired muscles after a long day. Kid-friendly vegetables, including carrots and sugar snap peas, are also in the mix, which gets a delectable sesame-soy dressing.

Set it and forget it until you get home from soccer practice. A warm meal -- featuring chicken, veggies and beans -- will be waiting.

slow-cooker soup

Photo by: Ben Fink ©Ben Fink Photography. All Rights Reserved

Ben Fink, Ben Fink Photography. All Rights Reserved

This fresh and veggie-filled pasta dish can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. (It's also a good pick for a Meatless Monday evening.)

penne with spinach sauce

Whip together the chicken filling earlier in the day or over the weekend when you have extra time. On the day of, just arrive home, reheat and wrap things up.

chicken wraps

A high-protein, make-ahead option worth keeping on hand in the fridge. You'll be able to make a quick plate or sandwich -- no matter what time the family gets home.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

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