I’m terrible at meal planning. I’m also terrible at meal prepping. I have all these grand ideas to do both so that my family and I eat healthier. But … if I’m honest with myself, I hate being the only one to stand in the kitchen for an entire afternoon and part of the evening, chopping, prepping, bagging, cooking, etc. It’s a lot of work to do for five, and be the only one to do it.
Ya ya … I could get my kids to help, but that’s not something I can always count on. My husband isn’t even an option. So … it’s me or no one.
One thing I have tried since the shut down on life started back in March of 2020, has been moderately successful in my home. I will cook up several pounds of ground beef or turkey, seasoning it with taco seasoning and/or other seasonings like cumin, chili powder, garlic, onion, pepper, paprika, and whatever floats my boat. I will cook up a pound or two of noodles. If I’m really feeling it, I’ll make a few cups of plain rice too. I make sure there are leafy greens in the fridge, and I open up cans of corn, beans, olives, and any other toppings I can find in my pantry. Depending on what is in our fridge, I might chop up cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and other delicious toppings, and jar everything up in their own mason jar.
All of my efforts make for multiple meals throughout the week. The super fun part of it all is that separately we can build our own meals. The kids love going around the kitchen island and making their own pasta bowl, or rice bowl. I tend to eat more salads when I do this, easily avoiding the pasta. If we’re bored of pasta, rice, or salad, we can easily convert into tacos, burritos, or nachos. It’s easy, flexible, and everyone is happy. Best of all, no fights and way less cooking for mom.
I’d love to hear about any meal prep ideas you have, especially if they are kid friendly.
Signing off for now,
Bay Area Blind Mom
Bay Area Blind Mom 