I hear over and over about how difficult it is with a million kids sports AND usually over dinner time. How do you do it all? So thought I'd write a quick article with some tips for success!
First, think of a time to map out your week. I like to do this on Friday afternoons for the following week,
Next, decide on what is realistic for you. How many nights you will cook. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients, the oils used and saves on money too!
Last, think of when you will cook or prep. I recommend a meal prep window but if that is not you or you'd rather cook the day of, decide when you will make it all happen. I find times that my family is in the kitchen anyway is easiest to cook. For example, either in the morning when kids are getting ready for school or after school.
At Home Meal Prep Tips:- Meal Prepping is work but feels so much less stressful throughout the week.
- If you are considering meal prepping, dedicate 60-90 minutes on Sunday is a good way to get a lot done. Creating the habit is the hardest part. I like to shop before Sunday so I don't have to do it all in one day.
- Make a list of meals that your family likes. Stick to a version of that weekly. Ex: Monday: Soup, Tuesday: Mexican, Wednesday: Stirfry, Thursday: OR theme it by the type of protein. M: fish, T: ground turkey, W: Chicken, Th: Shrimp or Beef
- During your session, make your Sunday night meal, Monday night meal and prep all you can for Tuesday night meal.
- Monday idea = Soup/chili (usually tastes better the 2nd night anyway!)
- Tuesday idea: taco bar (you can make the meat on Sunday and cut up everything you serve for taco bar and store into containers)
- Wednesday: slow cooker night (so many options for this!)
- Thursday: baked a pre-made frozen meal (there are so many YouTube videos on ideas). I briefly looked at this one and she had a taco one, pasta/marinara/chicken one and many more.
- Make frozen meals once a month. Get the kids involved to help you too. All good skills to learn young!
At Home Freezer Stock Up: Buy easy items to simply bake or microwave on the most hectic nights. Here are some favorites
- Hibachi Rice (sold frozen) + Add Rotisserie Chicken
- Amy's Burritos (sold frozen and gluten free/dairy free options too) + Add Plain Greek Yogurt (as sour cream + additional protein) + Fresh Avocado
- Amy's Entrees
- Trader Joe's Frozen Items! We like their Wild Caught Shrimp, GF Halibut Fillets & GF Chicken Nuggets.
- Kevin's Dinners (we all love these) and many flavors to choose from. Eat it plain or add quinoa/rice/cauliflower rice to it.
- Fresh Veggies cut for salads and stored in containers (or buy pre-made cut up veggies or ones that are washed and ready for steam/roasting).
- Salad kits are easy to throw together
- If you typically use the same types of meats/fish, buy it weekly to have in your fridge! I like to buy Fresh Organic Chicken, Organic Ground Turkey (Trader Joes), Wild/Responsibly raised Salmon, and Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs (new favorite).
- Consider a Meal Prep Chef! There are people that come to your house weekly and prep your meals for you. Look at A Perfect Fit
- Consider picking up pre-made meals that can just be baked at home, like Time for Dinner
- Pick up family dinners already prepared (Art of Entertaining & many restaurants offer family style carryout).
- Individual Options: Visit Hello Juice, Fit Flavors, Pure Plates for pre-made individual healthy meals that are balanced and delicious.
I hope some of these tips are helpful!
