As moms we are always busy, and it can be hard to find time to plan meals. Here are 7 easy meal planning tips to help you tackle this dreaded task.
*As a Plan to Eat affiliate I may receive a small compensation for a purchase you may make. This comes at no extra cost to you. My promise to you is to never recommend something I don’t believe in. This compensation just allows me to keep bringing you valuable content.
1. Find time to plan
Set aside some time each week to think about what you’d like to make for the upcoming week. This can be while the kids are napping, after they’ve gone to bed, or first thing in the morning before everyone starts their day.
2. Use a planner
Planning ahead is key to successfully meal planning. Use a planner to help you stay organized and on track. I use Plan to Eat and it has been a game changer. Read on to see how.
3. Choose simple recipes
When you’re short on time, simple is best. Choose recipes that are quick and easy to make. Don’t try to make anything too complicated.
With Plan to Eat you can store these recipes and quickly add them to your planner for the week. No more blank stares when you are trying to think of a meal that the family likes.
When they are stored you can have you own personal cookbook to scroll through. Save your favorites from Pinterest or your favorite reality star cook. Even upload your favorite grandma’s casserole recipe.
4. Make a list
Before you go grocery shopping, make a list of all the ingredients you need for your recipes. Seems like a no brainer, but often times we skip this step and are left to rely on our precious brain power in the moment.
One of my favorite features of Plan To Eat is that once your recipes are uploaded or downloaded from the web. You schedule that meal for the week and it will automatically add your ingredients to your shopping list. What?! It is seriously a huge time savor!
5. Utilize leftovers
Don’t forget about leftovers! They can be a great way to save time and money. Use them for lunches or to make another meal.
Making spaghetti, casseroles, or soups in bulk and then freezing them is one of my favorite ways to reduce busy week stress.
6. Be flexible
Don’t be afraid to change your plans if something comes up. Life happens and your meal plan should be flexible enough to accommodate for it.
Plan to Eat allows you to drag a drop your meals in the planner. So if you need to switch it up for any reason just drag and drop and voila you have a new plan.
7. Get the kids involved
This may not be for everyone. If this would add more stress to your life then simply keep scrolling.
If you have kids, get them involved in the meal planning. They can help you come up with ideas and even do some of the cooking.
My kids eat what we eat every night unless it is too spicy. However, allowing them to pick a meal or two a week helps them feel empowered and excited. On less crazy nights I will also invite them to help cook.
They love cooking and it is a great way to engage with them in a productive activity.
Takeaway
Plan to Eat can help you plan your meals, store your recipes, and even make your grocery list. What’s not to love! Did I mention you can get 20% off your first yearly subscription? Follow any of the links in the article to take advantage of this discount.
Meal planning takes time no matter which way you slice it. I’m surely not perfect when it comes to planning ahead, but I can say when I do use Plan to Eat and get prepared my stress level during the week is much lower.
I’m here for working smarter and not harder. Who’s with me?
For more simple ways to OVERCOME the OVERWHELM join my newsletter where once a week I will be sharing tips to make our mom lives easier and more enjoyable!
Until next time!
View comments
+ Leave a comment