Simplicity in the Kitchen

Meal Planning can be as easy as one two three!

I love this time of year where the slow cooker takes centre stage and we can enjoy flavor filled meals that only the crock pot can provide.

From corporate boardrooms to casual gatherings the Meal Plan is always a hot topic. 

A casual mention of a weekly meal routine and I have everyone’s attention. The kitchen really is the heart of the home and when this room rocks it sets the stage for success for the whole day.

However…Meal Planning is not always on the top of everyone’s list of to-do’s but when it is suppertime and you have a hungry crew looking for food…right now…without a plan you will spend more money on fast food and in the long run more time.

You will find success in the kitchen with a few very easy meal planning techniques.

Meal planning for the busy family needs to meet these minimum standards…
• To save valuable time you need quick dinner ideas.
• To save money and add convenience to you need to have easy dinner ideas.
• To provide energy and vitality you need to have healthy dinner ideas.

Organizing is all about planning. Here are 3 steps to ensure meal planning success.

1. Family Meeting Time-Get the family together and ask what each person’s favorite weekly meal choices would be. Make sure the choices meet the meal planning standards! Create a master list of all the choices for breakfast, lunches, dinner and even snacks…this is also helpful for those school lunches. This list can be added to as new meal items are tried, tested and given a thumbs up.

2. Master Meal List- With the list of possible menu items in hand it is time to pull the weekly meal menu together. This can be as simple as a calendar with the healthy, quick easy meal items written in the spaces or you can go virtual with a handy meal planning tool. Post the menu in a spot where everyone can see it and you may be surprised when you head to the kitchen one morning to find that someone has already started the meal…really…kids and significant others do want to participate…let go…you can do it!

3. Grocery Shopping- With a week of meal ideas in hand it is now time to grab the weekly flyers and map out the plan of attack. By paying attention to weekly specials and deals you can stretch your grocery dollars…keeping money in your pocket.

Organizing Today in the Kitchen can save Time, Money, add Convenience to your life and can lighten the load of responsibility….especially if there are other people who can share the load.

Have fun…test new recipes…let the kids get involved…make meals a family event.