The last thing most of us want to do in the summer is cook. It is especially challenging because it is hot outside and there is so much going on – summer camps – baseball games – cookouts – work – pool days etc. I have come up with a few tips that work for my family and hopefully help you survive the summer a little better.
Brainstorm:
10- 20 summer meals your family likes – write them down & create a master list – you don’t need to consult with Pinterest to do this, just ask your family what they like to eat and make your list based on their ideas – you might be surprised with what they share with you.
Plan
- Your next week’s meals on a certain day each week – I try to plan my meals on Thursdays because I shop on Saturdays.
- Your meals based on your schedule – be realistic – don’t try to plan a fancy meal if you have 3 baseball games in one night.
- Several simple sides to add to the meals. Add in a few new things here and there, as I have always told my kids that “their taste buds change as they get older.” Don’t forget fresh fruits and veggies as sides – they are in season & easy to add.
- Flexible meals that can be switched easily if the schedule changes
- A regular shopping day once a week (or whatever works for you) to get the basic supplies you need for the week – – don’t feel bad if you have to run out for “little things”
- Theme Nights – Mexican Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Soup & Salad Saturdays
Prepare
- A Shopping List you can use over & over again. I recommend taking the time to write down what you buy over and over again each week. Type up this list. I like to do my own vs. the pre-printed lists. If you prefer, you can google pre-printed shopping lists and pick one that suits your family
- A few basic extra supplies in the pantry for “emergency meals”
- A few things ahead. One night a week we usually cook dinner on the grill, while the grill is still warm, we cook some extra food (burgers, brats, chicken) for the following night – this especially helps on busy game nights.
I asked fellow reader and mother of 3 Britt Holzmacher to share her best meal planning tip:  “The number one thing I use to keep organized is a meal calendar. I plan out meals 1-2 weeks at a time so I can still give my family a healthy (at least somewhat!) meal on nights when the two older kids have practices or games and we’re running in different directions. I just got one of those paper calendars from Target, with one big page per month, and I write every day’s meal (even sides) in each square. This has been a HUGE time saver, especially since I’ve been working, because I always know what we will be having and it’s never a scramble.”
As a mom, I feel better when I have a plan and I am prepared. However, life happens and that is not always the case. Even with a plan and a well-stocked pantry, there are some nights when I just don’t have the energy to cook – that is when Hy-vee comes in handy. So don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself at the grocery store again or the drive-thru again – – just do your best and what works for you & your family!
Submitted by Springfield Moms contributor and professional organizer Amy Peterson who is mother of three.
