When you have to work full-time and still feed an entire family at the end of the day, it can be quite exhausting and many end up buying fast food or take out on a regular basis. While this can be rather convenient, it is often not the healthiest option for the family. This can lead to weight problems and a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits especially for kids.
One way to combat this issue is to plan out your meals on a weekly basis. This might take some time to get used to, but with a little bit of practice you’ll have this down in no time. The benefits will not only extend to health, but it will also help you better manage your budget since you will not be making random trips to McDonalds or Burger King.
The trick to planning your weekly meals is allotting a specific time each week to sit down and make a complete list of what to buy for the recipes you are going to prepare. It is also a great idea to involve the entire family in the process so that you know what your kids want when you are planning out your weekly meals. You can incorporate their suggestions in the dishes you will prepare and this is also a perfect way have a great bonding time with them. Also, if your children provide their input when planning out the weekly menu, they will be more enthused to eat what you are going to prepare.
When is the Best Time to Start Planning Your Weekly Meals?
When should be the best time to start planning? It really depends on when you have the time, but the weekend is generally ideal since we often have more spare time, and then this allows us to start the week off on the right healthy foot.
It is important to allot enough time to prepare a complete shopping list. If you prefer to plan out your meals for the week on Sunday afternoon, just make sure that you will still have time shop for all that you will need sometime that evening.
Another great tip is to whip out cookbooks and trusty recipes your family loves so that you will combat the dilemma of repeating dishes. Just keep in mind that you are not only planning out meals for the entire week, but you want to plan out meals that have a healthy, well balanced nutritional content. Remember, you will be changing from a menu that may have included fast food outings every week, to much more healthy choices including fruits, vegetables, salads, and foods low in carbohydrates and fat.
Plan out the meals you want to cook, then make a list of the items you will need in order to cook and prepare all the dishes. Just be sure to check your cupboards and pantries first so you do not end up buying more than you need. Sometimes you will find items you never knew you had just by double checking the contents of your storage areas.
Find Tips for Meal Planning on the Internet
It can sometimes be a daunting task to think of meals for each day of the week, let alone plan them ahead of time. Luckily, the internet is a great resource when it comes to meal planning. You will be amazed at the number of websites that offer solutions to busy individuals and provide tips on how to plan out your meals on a weekly basis. There are ready-made tools such as charts and meal planning books you can download and print out. There are some time saving tips you can use such as prepping the ingredients for each recipe and storing them in the refrigerator ready for when you need them.
You will be surprised at how convenient and easy it is to plan out your meals for the week on Sunday evening. You will not have to always be in a hurry to fix a meal or call a delivery food service. By meal planning, you can ensure that your family is eating good, healthy food on time and not have to resort to the drive through option any longer.
