The #1 Thing That Keeps a Mom Sane: Meal Prepping!
Let’s face it.. being a mom is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. You’ve got to keep the kids entertained, the laundry folded, and somehow manage to feed everyone without losing your marbles. Enter meal prepping~ the practical solution that keeps this crazy train from derailing!
Routine: The Secret Sauce
First things first: routine is the glue that holds this whole operation together. Think of it as your trusty conductor, guiding the chaos into something resembling order. When you have a meal prep routine in place, your week transforms from a frantic scavenger hunt for dinner into a well-oiled machine. Imagine this~ it’s 5 PM, and instead of staring blankly at the fridge like it’s gonna surprise you with dinner, you confidently pull out prepped meals that are ready to go. You’ll feel like a culinary superhero~ cape not included!
Shop Your Own Fridge, Freezer, and Cabinets
Before you hit the grocery store and blow your monthly budget on feeding your ferocious family, take a moment to shop your own fridge, freezer, and cabinets. You’d be amazed at what treasures you might find lurking in there! Half a bag of frozen peas? Check! A jar of spaghetti sauce that’s been hiding since last summer? Double check! By raiding your own stash first, you can save money and reduce waste. Plus, it’s like an episode of “Chopped” but with less pressure and more snacks.
Make the Plan, Order the Groceries
Once you’ve unearthed your hidden gems, it’s time to make a plan. Grab your favorite notepad (or use that random piece of paper you found crumpled in your purse) and jot down what meals you can whip up with your findings. Then comes the fun part: getting the needed groceries! Whether you’re an online shopping wizard or prefer to brave the aisles in person, having a list will keep you focused. No more impulse buys of those adorable mini donuts that call out to you from across the store (though they are hard to resist).
[PRO TIP] Have you heard of the app Supercook? This handy little app takes all of the ingredients you list out and creates for you miles and miles of recipes from what you have on hand! It’s a total life saver over here.
Pick Your Day to Prep
Now that you’ve got your plan and groceries sorted, pick your day to prep. This is when the magic happens! Set aside a few hours~ maybe during nap time or when the kids are glued to their favorite show~ and get ready to channel your inner chef. Wash, cut, cook, and divide! Think of it as an assembly line for deliciousness. Chop veggies while humming your favorite tune or pretend you’re on a cooking show (bonus points for dramatic flourishes).
Have Your Kids Help
Speaking of kids, don’t forget to enlist their help! Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “But they’ll just make a mess!” True, but think of it as an opportunity for bonding and teaching them valuable life skills (and maybe keeping them busy for a few minutes). Give them age-appropriate tasks~ like washing veggies or stirring sauces~ and watch as they transform into mini sous chefs. Plus, if they helped make dinner, they might be less likely to turn their noses up at it!
Meal Services: A Backup Plan
And if all else fails? Meal services are here to save the day! Think of them as your culinary fairy godmother. With pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered right to your door, they take the guesswork out of dinner. It’s like having a personal chef without the hefty price tag.
So, this meal prepping thing…It’s practical, it’s fun, and it gives you back precious time in your week. Embrace the chaos with open arms (and maybe some takeout menus just in case). Now go forth and conquer those weeknight dinners like the supermom you are!
Chat soon - 🖤 CTB
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