MILLENIAL MEAL PLANNING

I wasn't sure what to call this bit of writing. It's a quick and easy version of how I meal plan and it's been slapped together over the years from dozens of moms, bloggers, and even eating specialists.

This is my version of meal planning that takes about 45 minutes including groceries and once you get the hang of it, it will take a lot less time.

Why try and. plan meals?

What I'm about to tell you is not for the feint...faint...of heart. I've done this twice in my adulting life (so since I had kids - 11years) and both times I think I may have thrown something at The Dad's head. Do this at your own marital risk. I added up a month's worth of eating out and dear little baby Jesus, we spent over a thousand dollars a month on eating out! I'm embarrassed to admit this but I need people to understand the cost of eating out. HOWEVER, with the cost of groceries skyrocketing it's hard to see the worth in buying groceries and cooking at home.

I'm here to tell you that, currently, the cost of groceries is still less than eating out half the time. The other positive is that I have more control of the food the kids are eating even when they eat like 10% of what I make. It's no secret that I'm what Tiktok has deemed a gummy bear mom? From what I understand, we're the parent that tosses in gummies, cheeze-its, and apple sauce into lunches and calls it a day. I don't completely do that but I've lost some battles when it comes to packing an apple that will go back to school enough times to go up a grade. So I've rattled off for too long but I wanted to explain how I got to where I am with meal planning.

Enchilada Casserole (want the recipe? email me!)

Meal Planning Tips

• Circulate between the same 6-8 meals that you know your family will eat.

• Try and use similar ingredients a couple of times.

• Breakfast for dinner never hurt anyone.

• Keep an ongoing grocery list for everyone to add to.

• Shop from the outside of the grocery aisles to the inside. (fresh over processed)

• Spend an extra half hour a week washing fruit so they're ready to eat and packing up snacks so they're ready to grab and go.