Feeling the Stress of Meal Planning? Me too!

Here’s what I know about meal planning: my chances of eating healthier, saving $ at the store, and well, not splurging with DoorDash are a lot better when I take the time to meal plan.

Here’s what I know about stress: stress directly impacts my eating patterns. And for some reason I’ve been stressed to even sit down and map out meals because I’m paralyzed by the thought of not having enough time to do it…

Chances are you are in the same boat if you’re juggling many balls or wearing many hats or whatever else they call just being so darn busy these days.

I polled a few friends and here are some common reasons why busy moms may struggle to stick to their meal plans:

• Life gets in the way – Unplanned activities or changes in schedule can throw things off. Kids’ sports, events, sick days pop up.
• Lack of time – Cooking every meal takes time that isn’t always available on busy weeknights or weekends. Easier to grab something prepared.
• Unrealistic planning – Some moms try to plan too far in advance or too complex recipes they don’t truly have bandwidth for.
• Not accounting for preferences – If other family members like dad/kids weren’t involved, the planned meals may not appeal to all.
• Fatigue and burnout – Cooking everyday becomes a chore without breaks. Moms tap out and default to convenience.
• Uneaten ingredients go bad – Wasted grocery dollars discourage following the plan next time.
• Lack of backup simple meals – When life interferes, no easy go-to options exist as substitutes.
• Uninspiring recipes – If meals aren’t enticing, motivation lacks to prepare/eat what was written on the plan.

So, now what? I guess that’s why I’m here! Lately I’ve been behind the scenes building flexibility, realistic recipes, easy swaps and back-up options that can help parents stick to planning despite life’s demands.

Like most challenges for this Mom these days, I’m taking the challenge of meal planning in small strides… and figured these easy meal planning tips can help both of us get started and/or back on track:

• Meal prep on Sundays to save time on busy weeknights. I like to “produce prep” on Sunday to make grab n’ go snacking or lunch packing that much easier. Here’s how I do just that with produce prep. 
• Involve kids in simple food prep tasks to bond while working as a team- as much as they grumble, my kids have started helping making lunches.
• Rely on easy 30-minute recipes that don’t require many ingredients. Get inspired with my 30 minute meals! 
• Format weekly meal plans to incorporate leftovers for less cooking. Themed Dinner Nights includes a “leftovers night.” Try it out! 
• Batch cook proteins and store portions for quick meals.
• Keep a well-stocked pantry with basics so you’re never stuck without options.
• Take occasional meal shortcuts with half-homemade, half-convenient options. Here are a few of my favorite store-bought short-cuts. 
• Freeze extra portions of homemade soups, sauces or casseroles for super quick nights.
• Accept imperfections and lower standards when life gets hectic. Health over presentations. HEALTH OVER HECTIC.
• Consider a meal kit service on stressful weeks.
• Most importantly, be kind to yourself! Unless you are a chef, don’t shame yourself into thinking, “I can’t cook anything!”

In the coming weeks, my PLAN is to focus my writing and recipes on real solutions that truly save time and energy. My goal is for YOU and me to feel less overwhelmed in their kitchens. 

I recently had a friend ask me to customize some meal plans for her and her husband- and it got me thinking. I’m available to do this for YOU, your family, your neighbor, you name it! Guess what? I’ll even prep some produce or meals for ya, if you’re in the Metro Detroit area 🙂 Drumroll please…. 

^{It’s as simple as sending me an email: [email protected] to get started. And hey, if it’s not in your budget for some personalized meal plans, don’t fret! More to come from Cooking Amongst Chaos both on the blog and social!}