Dec 26, 2024
Many parents find themselves so busy with work, school, homework, sports, activities, and errands that cooking weeknight meals may seem impossible. In reality, eating at home can be faster, easier, and more affordable, even on those busy school nights, with these five steps.
- Create a GoTo List - Start by making a list of meals your family already loves. Be realistic and keep it simple by adding quick and easy recipes that can be put together on a busy evening. Once you have your list, place it where you can refer to it again in the future. This list is your secret weapon to mastering mealtime.
- Plan the Week - With your “Go To List” of meals in hand, start by consulting the family calendar. For the busiest and most stressful days, plan a crock pot meal. On days when everyone is coming and going at different times, try sub sandwiches with fruit. Pull ideas from your “Go To List” of meals to fill in the rest of the week. Meal planning will reduce the stress of the evening rush and solve your “What’s for dinner?” conflict.
- Go Shopping - Look over your meal plan and make a grocery list. Don’t forget to check the freezer and pantry for items you may already have on hand. When you have your list, head to your favorite store and pick up your items.
- Prep Ahead - Prepare as much food as possible in advance. Wash and chop vegetables and fruit, brown meat and put into one-pound batches, put together casseroles in advance, and thaw any items you will need in the next few days. Chicken breasts can be cooked in large batches in the crock pot for later use in salads, casseroles, soups, or skillet meals. The more you prepare now, the less you have to do on those busy nights after work.
- Stick To It - The hard work is done, and it’s time to stick to your plan. Since everything is prepped and ready, you just have to finish your meals and enjoy. Unexpected challenges may come up, but with an organized plan, you will be able to handle most surprises with ease without getting stuck in the fast food rut once again.
With these five easy steps, you will be able to throw together a fast, healthy, and budget friendly meal, while reducing stress, and gaining quality family time.
Bio: Sarah Lyons is a busy mother of six who uses meal planning every week to make dinnertime simpler.