As a mom, getting dinner on the table can be quite a feat. Between grocery shopping (why do kids NOT like to stay in the shopping cart!?) and ensuring you’ve got all the ingredients you need, much less finding something that EVERYone likes, it may seem like dinner is a lost cause. Meal Planning may not help you solve all your problems, but it will take your stress down a notch at least. What is meal planning? It’s simply how you plan to get a meal on the table. That could mean planning a month in advance (advantageous!) or maybe just the day’s meals. Read on to see some tips that will help get you going.
1. Make time to find recipes
For some people, this may mean flipping through your well used cookbook or recipe box of family favorites. For others, this could be combing through their new cookbook or favorite online cooking website. The important thing to remember about meal planning is that it’s supposed to work best for YOU in whatever way is easiest. If you don’t have time to scour magazines and cookbooks, then use your go-to recipes. If cooking and finding new recipes is relaxing for you, go for it. It may also be helpful to create a simple list of all your family favorites. Don’t feel bad for having easy meals that you know your family loves, like grilled cheese or hot dogs. If it makes your life easier, then you’re doing it right!