6 Tips for Easy Family Meal Planning
More of us have our families back in our homes again, due to Covid-19. I feel blessed that we are enjoying time I didn’t think I’d have again with my girls. But, along with the good, comes the not-so-good. Maybe you feel similar? I fell back into the habit of feeling like it was my job to make sure we all sat down together to have a home-cooked meal each night. All great in theory, but when you get 1 Pescatarian (who loves cheese), 1 Vegetarian (no cheese), 1 Meat lover - must have meat or it’s not a meal, and Me, Ms.gluten free together it started to feel overwhelming!
I wanted to throw in the towel and just let everyone fend for themselves. But then I realized we would, we would stay plugged into our own music, shows, friends on zoom and pass by in the kitchen without much more than a nod or an occasional, do “we” need to get more Oatmilk Mom? Hmmmm.
So whether your grown kids have come home, or your still responsible for making meals for little ones while juggling work from home, and keeping track of the kids and their summer “activities.” I think we could all use a few TIPS to make our lives a bit easier and ….ENJOYABLE!
DO YOUR OWN THING: Give yourself a Break! Yep, this is the number one Rule ! Even if, like me, you are wanting to gather everybody at mealtimes, it doesn’t need to happen EVERY DINNER or EVERY DAY. Just let everyone know it’s a do your own thing night . We are working and living in tight quarters so, if that means everyone fends for themselves one night a week and takes their food to different corners of the house, then fine ! On these nights, my husband grills some Sausage and slices a tomato, goes downstairs and plays his 70’s record albums and watches the History Channel. My Youngest, watches The Office or Zooms a Friend with her Beans and Rice, and Sautéed Greens. My Oldest, snacks on gruyere cheese, then later some leftover greens from a prior dinner, and maybe trail-mix later while drawing and listening to podcasts. I Make a huge colorful crunchy salad (so I can have leftovers for tomorrows dinner) add my own dressing and some leftover steak slices.
GO BIG - Save time, when you do cook, cook 2x more than you would ensuring enough for another lunch or dinner for all. This also goes for those of you ordering in meals or getting meal prep services….. order 2x more! Cook1x eat 2x.
TACO TUESDAY- It doesn’t have to be Tuesday or Taco’s for that matter, but you get the idea. Make one or two nights a standing meal. We like building tacos since there are endless ways to fill a taco and everyone can tailor it to what their preferences are. If you can enlist others in the house to do certain “jobs” like cut the tomatoes, roast the sweet potatoes or make the refried beans or meat then life just got more easier and remember …. Go BIG for leftovers.
SIDE DISHES: Food Prep/Cook few items you can mix in or have on the side during eh week. We like having these made ahead’s (GO BIG) and in the fridge ready to go: Rice, Beans, Kale or Collards, Pasta, Sweet Potato, Fresh Cut Veggies like Peppers, These gete mixed into one pot meals, used as sides or as an a-la-cart Meal.
PANTRY PARTY - Stock up with things that in fridge, freezer or Pantry the Family can gather themselves for another do your thing night. Whole Grain Cereal, Soups, Oatmeal, Tuna, Canned Beans, Frozen Veggies, Plain Yogurt, Peanut or Almond Butter, Frozen Fruit, Protein Powder, Pancake Mix, Eggs, Salsa ect.
SPOTLIGHT NIGHT -Does a Family Member have a special idea or Favorite dinner? Make it together …if you don’t eat it you can still help (sometimes this gets young ones curious to try new things seeing everyone join in and create) and eat your own thing.
COMMUNICATE, PLAN and BE FLEXIBLE The Plan can be simple (see below) and the execution easy as long as we Communicate it to everyone.
SUNDAY: BIG MEAL Protein, Veggie, Carb. (GO BIG) ** We like to do a Big Grill Night
MONDAY: Fresh Salad with Leftover Protein from Sunday
TUESDAY: Tacos w/ lots of fixins
WEDNESDAY: Taco fillings over Potato, or Spaghetti Sqash
THURSDAY: Hearty Soup Night
FRIDAY: Do Your Thing/ Leftover Night
SATURDAY: Brinner - Breakfast for Dinner
There are endless ways to create your plan, and make it work for your family. no matter the food preferences , schedules or budget. Maybe you just add one new idea and keep it all super simple. Do what works for you ! Im here to help :)
