Q: Now that I started a part-time job I can't find the time to plan, shop or make meals for my family. Any suggestions?
A: Kudos to you for going back to work. The term 'working mom' has always been a bit of a contradiction to me since I believe, every mom works!! When you combine it with paid work then you have a mom working double time.
Here are some ideas that have been helpful in our house:
-Use one day to plan out meals for the week (Sunday worked for me )
-Once you have your meals planned out- use your recipe cards to help you create your weekly shopping list to avoid missing an ingredient.
-To save some time in the store, write up your shop list in the order of how the grocery store is laid out. Attach coupons with a paper clip to the list and you're ready.
-When possible, double a recipe and freeze for another week. Or, store in the fridge and plan a "leftover night".
-Pull out your crock pot! It's the closest thing to having a chef in the house. There are thousands of recipes online- my favorite website is www.crockpot365.com
-Search the internet for recipes that are "quick" or have "5 ingredients or less".
-Spend a little extra time one day to chop all of the veggies you like in your salad (cucumbers, peppers, onions, skip the tomatoes). Store them in an air-tight container. Add a little bit each night to your salad bowl. Putting a salad together just got faster and easier.
-Recruit some help from your kids where possible.
-Consider designating one night a week for a favorite easy meal. At our house, it's tacos.
-When there is a day that does not go as planned, I like having a few staples on hand for a fast last minute meal. Frozen burgers(veggie or beef) and buns. Home made tomato sauce and pasta. Soup and grilled cheese.
-When you have created 4 weeks of meals, repeat. Using a blank calendar template will help you keep track. Or, record it all on your electronic calendar.
Getting Your Life in Order!
~S
