Meal Planning Tips For The Working Mom

Learn a new recipe every week.

The reason why many moms (and their families) get discouraged with meal planning is that they have very few recipes to work on.  That is, their repertoire of recipes is so limited that the same dishes get served day in and day out and boredom sets in.  The working mom should take time each week to read a cookbook or watch cooking shows in the hope of learning a new recipe to try out the following week.  Doing this simple chore adds up to learning 52 new dishes in a year—a sure way to achieve variety.

Plan your meals over the weekend, not several days in advance.

When you do not have a plan, you are essentially planning for take-outs.  The smart working mom takes the time to plan the next week’s meals a few days before the current week closes.  Planning too far ahead may not also be good as cravings may change later in the week.  Planning on a Thursday or Friday is a good schedule.

Consider leftovers before hitting the grocery.

A quick look at the ref and pantry gives the working mom enough idea on what to cook the following week.  Items that are nearing expiry should be given priority. 

Always factor in the schedule of each member of your family.

It is wise to always consider the individual schedules of each member of the family when planning meals.  A grade-schooler, for instance, needs a healthful and kid-friendly breakfast each morning.  A teenage son may delight in a cold treat after a game practice.  A leisurely Saturday evening may warrant an elaborate meal or a lively outdoor barbecue.

Use up fresh produce first.

Mondays and Tuesdays should be crisp salad days.  In the middle of the week, hardier vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage would then get their turn.  And when the week is about to close, leftover meals and pantry meals take over the menu.

Learn to cook pantry meals for emergencies.

The working mom should have a set of pantry meals for times when she is too tired, or when unexpected guests come, or when some frozen food goes bad and quick dinners are needed.  Canned beans and pasta make a hearty stew in a jiffy.  Bottled Alfredo sauce and cut-up veggies make easy potpies. 

Learn to cook leftover meals to save money.

Leftover cookings is as frugal a skill as budgeting or couponing. Knowing what to do about leftovers besides reheating them up is crucial to the working mom.  Cooking up leftovers into palatable dishes requires some learning and practicing.

Clean and tidy up as you go.

The working mom needs to have a tidy and clean kitchen.  It takes faithful and consistent clean-as-you-go habit to make this happen.  She needs to establish daily surface clean-ups as well as weekly deep-cleaning chores.  An organized kitchen facilitates work and inspires creativity.