Meal Planning
We eat most every meal at home; mainly because we live in a small, rural community and have no restaurants other than fast food. I love to cook but for those who do not love to cook, it’s still a necessity for most. Some tips that may make it easier for you:
- Make a meal plan. Write it out. Post it on the fridge or where you’ll see it. Only plan to cook the meals you love! Cooking something you either do not like to eat or do not like to cook can be torture. Don’t do it! Plan to cook foods that you look forward to eating. Before going to bed each night, look at your menu for tomorrow. Is there anything that needs to be taken out of the freezer to defrost? Beans need to soak? Anything you need to pick up from the store?
- Plan ahead. Make as much as you can ahead of time. If you’re roasting a chicken, roast two and plan to have the meat from the second one for chicken gumbo, chicken spaghetti, chicken salad, etc.
- Prepare extra. Always have a backup meal in the freezer. This works good for days when you don’t have time to cook or are too tired to cook. Some foods freeze better than others. Most soups/stews freeze well. Spaghetti sauce freezes well.
- Make a list before going to the grocery store. Do not shop when you’re hungry and do not shop without a list! Try limiting your trips to the grocery store to once a week (or less!).
- Think seasonal! If you can buy vegetables and fruit for less during the local growing season, incorporate those items into your menu when they’re less expensive.
