Chicken & Veggie Macaroni

To keep your Smart Start Meals fresh, nutritious, and delicious, follow these simple storage and reheating guidelines:

1. Refrigeration (For Meals to be Eaten Within 2-3 Days)

• Store meals in an airtight container in the refrigerator at or below 5°C.
• Keep fresh fruits and snacks in separate compartments to maintain their texture.
• Consume meals within 48-72 hours for the best taste and nutritional quality.

2. Freezing (For Longer Storage Up to 2 Weeks)

• If you won’t be eating a meal within 3 days, freeze it to maintain freshness.
• Wrap meal containers securely or use freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Label meals with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.
• Do not freeze fresh fruit—store it separately and consume fresh.

3. Reheating Instructions

For best taste and safety:

• Microwave: Reheat refrigerated meals on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan on low-medium heat for 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Oven: Warm in a preheated oven (180°C) for 10 minutes if using oven-safe containers.
• Avoid overheating to preserve nutrients and texture.

4. Keeping Snacks & Fruits Fresh

• Store muffins, oat bars, and granola-based snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate yogurt-based snacks and dips for up to 5 days.
• Keep fresh-cut fruit in sealed containers and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

By following these storage tips, you’ll ensure that every Smart Start Meal stays fresh, flavorful, and packed with nutrition for your child’s best school day yet! 

1. Chicken & Veggie Macaroni (1 serving)

(Macaroni with shredded chicken, carrots, spinach & tomato)
🔹 Calories: ~350-400 kcal
🔹 Carbohydrates: ~50g
🔹 Protein: ~25g
🔹 Fats: ~8-12g
🔹 Fiber: ~6g
🔹 Key Nutrients:

• Vitamin A (from carrots & spinach)
• Vitamin C (from tomatoes)
• Iron & Folate (from spinach)
• Lycopene (from tomatoes – supports heart health)
• B Vitamins (from whole wheat or enriched macaroni & chicken – supports energy production)

2. Side: Apple Slices (1 small apple, ~100g)

🔹 Calories: ~52 kcal
🔹 Carbohydrates: ~14g
🔹 Protein: ~0.3g
🔹 Fats: ~0.2g
🔹 Fiber: ~2.5g
🔹 Key Nutrients:

• Vitamin C (boosts immunity & skin health)
• Antioxidants (supports overall health)
• Soluble Fiber (Pectin) (supports digestion & gut health)

3. Snack: Oat & Banana Muffin (1 medium muffin)

🔹 Calories: ~180-220 kcal
🔹 Carbohydrates: ~30g
🔹 Protein: ~5g
🔹 Fats: ~6-8g
🔹 Fiber: ~3-4g
🔹 Key Nutrients:

• Potassium (from bananas – supports muscle & nerve function)
• Magnesium (from oats – supports bone & muscle health)
• B Vitamins (supports brain function & energy metabolism)
• Soluble Fiber (oats – supports heart health)

Total Estimated Nutritional Value for the Full Meal (Macaroni + Apple Slices + Muffin)

🔹 Calories: ~580-670 kcal
🔹 Carbohydrates: ~94-100g
🔹 Protein: ~30-32g
🔹 Fats: ~14-18g
🔹 Fiber: ~10-12g

🔹 Rich in:
✅ Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium
✅ Balanced in macros for sustained energy and brain function
✅ High in fiber for digestion & gut health