Summer Survival Tips: Meal Planning

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.