Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time to take control of your mealtime! With a little bit of planning ahead, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. But, let’s be real, meal planning can be a bit boring and time-consuming. I’ll be honest and admit that I’m not a fan of meal planning. Sometimes my day-to-day plans change even when I plan out my whole week, it doesn’t always happen the way that I intended. But, I have noticed how important it is for me to spend the time to make it all work and also provide my family and me with well-structured thoughout meals.
Step 1: Gather Your Troops (AKA Your Family)
First things first, you need to gather the troops. Yes, I’m talking about your family. Whether it’s just you and your significant other or you have a house full of kids, it’s important to get everyone involved in the meal-planning process. After all, you don’t want to plan a fancy salmon dinner and find out that everyone is not in favor of eating fish. When you involve your kids, they seem to get more excited about what’s coming up in their meals and they also want to take the initiative to help out during meal times. Let them get involved in cooking and baking. Did I mention that sometimes they come up with some really great and creative ideas?
I will admit that I like to work solo in my kitchen, mainly because my kitchen is small. The last thing I want is to keep bumping into someone every time I turn around. Working solo allows me complete control over my cooking process, from selecting the ingredients to experimenting with flavors and techniques. I can take my time and cook at my own pace, without having to worry about anyone else. It’s a chance to truly express my creativity and have fun with cooking. I love the time it gives me for some much-needed alone time and a chance to destress while being fully present in the moment. Also, if you need to, indulge in a glass of wine during this process. Unwind a little, I promise it helps!
Nevertheless, cooking in the kitchen with your family really can be a great experience. Not only do you get to bond over a shared love of food, but you also get a chance to teach your littles some life skills (like how to crack an egg without getting shells everywhere). And let’s be real, who doesn’t love having an extra set of hands to chop veggies or stir the pot? Plus, there’s nothing funnier than watching your kid try to whisk something with all their might, only to end up with an egg on their face (literally). And let’s not forget the best part – when your little sous chef is finally done helping and you get to clean up the mess they made. Ok, maybe this isn’t the most exciting part but, that’s some quality parent-child teamwork right there. 😂 So go ahead, grab your aprons, and get cooking with your family, because it’s time to make memories (and maybe a few questionable meals).
Now for all you lovebirds, out there with no children, cooking in the kitchen with your significant other can be a great and fun experience like no other (and not just because you get to steal a few kisses while chopping veggies). You get to bond over your shared love of food and discover new recipes together (although let’s be real, one of you is probably doing most of the work while the other one sips wine and offers “advice”). Plus, there’s nothing sexier than watching your significant other chop an onion like a pro (except maybe when they accidentally cut their finger and need you to play nurse). 😉 So go ahead, put on some romantic music, and get cooking with the love of your life, because it’s time to whip up some delicious memories together.
Step 2: Get Organized
Now that you have your team in place, it’s time to get organized. You’ll want to start by making a grocery list and getting all the ingredients you need for the week. But don’t forget to add in some fun stuff too! Who says meal planning has to be all about healthy foods and boring ingredients? Add some chips, ice cream, and candy to the list. Have a favorite wine list or favorite cocktail? You never know when you’ll need a sugar rush to get you through the meal-planning process.
When it comes to meal planning on a budget, it can feel overwhelming and stressful. But fear not, my friend, because it is totally doable with a little bit of planning and creativity. First things first, make a list of what you need and stick to it – no impulse buys! Take advantage of sales and coupons, and consider buying in bulk to save even more. Don’t be afraid to opt for less expensive alternatives, like frozen vegetables instead of fresh or dried beans instead of canned. And let’s not forget the power of meal prep – cook large batches of meals ahead of time and freeze them for future meals. Additionally, consider preparing larger portions so that you have leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. This not only saves money but also saves time during busy weekdays. And remember, staying on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition – there are plenty of delicious and healthy meal options that won’t break the bank. Take a look at my recipes and let me know what you think. https://keepingitlucy.com/category/recipes/
Shopping for groceries from home has become more popular than ever before, and for good reason! It’s convenient, time-saving, and can be a great way to stick to your budget. Plus, it allows you to avoid crowds and long lines at the grocery store. You can easily compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deals without having to physically go from store to store. And let’s not forget the added benefit of being able to take your time and carefully plan out your meals without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Many grocery stores also offer curbside pickup or home delivery options, making it even more convenient for those with busy schedules or mobility issues. So go ahead, grab your laptop or phone, and start shopping for groceries from the comfort of your own home – it’s a game changer! It has saved me so much money and time!
Additionally, planning your meals using a planner is an excellent way to stay organized and make sure you’re eating healthy and tasty meals every day. You can use a physical planner or an app on your phone – whatever works best for you. Start by jotting down your schedule for the week and plan your meals accordingly. This will help you avoid any last-minute scrambling or ordering in on busy days. Then, write down your grocery list for the week to ensure you have everything you need to prepare your meals. You can even include snacks and desserts! Don’t forget to include a variety of foods to keep things interesting and ensure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs. And let’s not forget the satisfaction of checking off meals as you go – it’s like a mini victory each time you’ve successfully completed a meal! If you need a little help with a planner, check out the free planner templates that I made that help me stay focused.
Step 3: Get Creative
It’s time to get creative! You don’t have to stick to the same old meals every week. Mix things up and try new recipes. Still, trying to figure out where to start? Try searching for recipes based on ingredients you already have. And, if you’re feeling really adventurous, try cooking a meal from a different country each week. Just don’t forget the extra hot sauce! I have some great traditional Portuguese recipes here https://keepingitlucy.com/category/portuguese-traditions/
Mealtime with kids can be a challenge, but it can also be a lot of fun with a little bit of creativity. One idea is to have a “build your own” meal, like tacos, pizzas, or sandwiches. This allows kids to choose their own toppings and makes mealtime more interactive and enjoyable. Another idea is to make food into fun shapes or characters using cookie cutters or food molds. Let’s not forget the power of fun food names – spaghetti and meatballs can become “worms and meatballs”, or carrots and hummus can be “orange rockets”. This can make mealtime more exciting and encourage picky eaters to try new foods.
My daughter loves getting creative with the lunches that she takes to school every day. She came up with the idea of having color themes for every day of the week. For example, Monday she chose the color red. Anything that is red was put in her lunchbox: strawberries, red veggie straws, strawberry bread sandwiches, fruit punch, etc. Tuesday was orange day, orange for her fruit choice, cheese, crackers, and an orange juice box. I think you catch my drift here. It was a great idea and she gets super excited about making her own lunch and coming up with ideas of what she can eat.
When it comes to cooking, sometimes the most delicious meals come from using what you already have in your pantry. Take a look at what you have and get creative! A can of chickpeas can become a tasty hummus, while a bag of rice can become a flavorful stir-fry. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients to see what works well together – you might discover a new favorite dish. Experiment with spices and seasonings to add flavor to your meals as well, and try to incorporate a variety of vegetables, proteins, and grains to ensure a balanced meal. You can also get inspiration from online recipes or cooking shows and modify them to fit the ingredients you have on hand. Not only is cooking with what you have in your pantry a great way to save money, but it can also be a fun challenge to see what delicious meals you can create. So go ahead, raid your pantry, and get creative in the kitchen – you might be surprised at what delicious meals you can whip up!
Trying new foods can be a fun and exciting way to expand your culinary horizons and discover new flavors and textures. It can also be a little intimidating – we tend to stick to what we know and love. But branching out and trying new foods can be a great adventure! Start by choosing one new food to try each week, whether it’s a vegetable, a type of fish, or a new type of cuisine altogether. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends, family, or even your local grocer for recommendations or recipes. And if you don’t like something, don’t worry – everyone has different tastes and preferences. But you might be surprised at what you end up liking!
Step 4: Don’t Take it Too Seriously
It’s important to remember that planning ahead for dinner is a great way to make life easier! It can save you time, and money, and help you stay organized. By taking a few minutes to plan your meals ahead of time, you’ll be able to save yourself from the hassle of running to the grocery store every day. Plus, there’s nothing better than knowing exactly what you’re going to be eating that night. It can even help reduce your stress and make it easier to stay on track with your health and nutritional goals.
Making meals doesn’t have to be intimidating! There are so many amazing recipes out there from some fantastic chefs. Don’t be afraid to take a look around and find one that looks good to you. Try it out and see how it turns out. You never know, you could end up creating something amazing! Plus, experimenting with other people’s recipes can help you become a better cook. All the new culinary possibilities are endless!
If your dinner plans don’t go as planned, don’t worry! You can always make breakfast for dinner! Who says dinner has to be dinner? Switch it up and enjoy some of your favorite breakfast foods like pancakes, eggs, and bacon, maybe even a bowl of cereal. Not only is it fun, but it’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen. Plus, it’s usually a lot easier to make than a full dinner. So the next time dinner doesn’t go as planned, why not try breakfast for dinner?
With a little bit of humor and a lot of creativity, you can make mealtime an enjoyable and stress-free experience for the whole family. It will promote a healthier attitude towards food, reduce food waste, allow you to adopt new culinary options, and embrace some leftovers! So, gather your troops, get organized, get creative, don’t take it too seriously, and enjoy your meal!
Happy planning!
Can I challenge you to a 7-day Meal Planning Challenge: Plan and Prep Your Meals for a Stress-Free Week? Use my free Daily & Weekly Planner templates to complete the challenge. Whatever it is, create your meal plans, big or small. Would you share with me how you have been able to accomplish them? Or what is keeping you from achieving them? What tools do you use to stay organized? Comment below. I would love to hear from you!
In my last blog post, How to Use Your Time Wisely and Purposefully in These 4 Easy Steps, I talked about setting clear goals, getting organized, saying goodbye to distractions, and never stop improving. Hope those 4 steps have helped you improve your time wisely and purposefully.
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