First off, former procrastinators, meals are no small thing. Ask your family. What we want to look at here is how to make that big job smaller so we can be more faithful in it.
Meals are a big chore because they require thought, shopping, preparation, and serving. They’re expected three times daily. That’s high demand.
Simplifying the task will bring joy to you and your household. These ideas can help lighten the thinking and prep load.
- Designate certain nights for certain dishes. Tuesday -chili, Friday-pizza.
- Plan a weekly menu list and stock ingredients so you know those meals are doable.
- Figure out what ingredients you must have on hand to make a quick meal, a dish to deliver, a meal for company. Keep those stocked.
- Donate unused cookbooks. Copy the two recipes you like and move the books out. Remove dead wood from your recipe box. (I‘ve removed nearly two inches.)
- Train older kids to prepare a meal a week. This initially causes you more work, but in the long run will relieve you and benefit them.
- Based on your schedule, plan leftovers or crockpot meals for days you can’t cook.
- Post a dated list of what’s in the freezer so you avoid waste and eliminate searching.
- Remember pancakes are a legitimate dinner.
- Try one new recipe a month for variety.
We’ve hit on a good pattern for us: Breakfast – oatmeal, fruit. Lunch – meat, veggies, salad. If dessert, it’s here. Dinner – eggs, salad/green smoothie, oranges. Yes, we vary this; still, it wouldn’t suit everybody. I share it to say how much it helps to have a pattern that serves our nutritional needs as we lose weight, plus saves thought and prep time. It’s been a real boon as I bear down on projects.
Tell us how you simplify meal prep for faithfulness and joy.
What will you choose to try this month?
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