Anyone else feel like dinnertime turns into a full-on circus act sometimes? Between the school pick ups, wrapping up the day’s to-dos, and the small humans with boundless energy, who has the time (or frankly, the brainpower) to be a gourmet chef on top of it all? Been there, done that, got the (stain-covered) t-shirt.
Now, dear reader, I offer to you three tips I’ve learned along the way that help turn that witching hour between school pick up and dinner, into more of a … chill, kid-friendly, happy hour! (okay, or at least run more smoothly so you can get them to bed on time) Read on, and then be sure to head here to see my full meal prep inspo video on Cloud Dojo TV this week!
Hack #1: Relaxed Meal Prep is Your New BFF (the kind who brings snacks):
Relaxed Meal Prep is not about making your entire week’s meals ahead of time! It’s just about getting a head start on the week’s cooking tasks. It’s simple: just pick a day or two (maybe Sunday if you’re feeling productive, or Tuesday during naptime, whatever works!) to do some quick prep tasks. Wash and chop veggies, boil eggs or edamame, cook a big pot of something grainy (quinoa, brown rice, you name it), and maybe throw together some side dishes if you’re feeling fancy. These little things will save you precious time and energy during the week. (I actually have a few Relaxed Meal Prep with me videos on the channel if you need a buddy!)
Hack #2: One-Pot and One Pan Wonders:
Sheet pan dinners, stir-fries, sumptuous slow cooked stews – these are some of my go-to meals during the week. We just toss a bunch of healthy stuff (sometimes pre-chopped from meal prep) together and let the stove or oven or Instapot work its magic. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup – that’s the kind of magic we busy parents need in our lives!
Hack #3: Have a Cheat Sheet:
It really changed the game for me when I took the time to create a Meal Prep Checklist to follow along with each week. I also have a little Menu template that gives me some structure as I plan for the week, while also affording the flexibility I need to change things up.
Hope you found some inspiration here, and permission to take the pressure off! These hacks are all about making small changes that save you time and keep things chill. Here’s wishing you a healthy, happy and vibrant week ahead!
Until next time,
Korie