Received a question from one of my blog readers, asking a food-related question. Her question is: “I am always so busy running around after my three kids that I barely have time to cook and we often end up ordering takeout, what tips can you give a busy mom like me?”
Answer: If you are a busy mom, a career woman, or a single guy you can use the following tips. Choose a day of the week where you can have an entire day to yourself, or at least a good 3 hours. Use that day (usually on a Sunday) to plan for your make ahead meals. Make 5 meals (for each day of the week) so that all you have to do when you get home from work is to simply re-heat the food and serve.
Growing up, my mom always cooked ahead, ensuring that our family had something to eat for the entire week. That way, we were not tempted to go eat at a restaurant. Not only it’s a time saver, but also saves you money, because you don’t have to spend it on take out. Plus, YOU control the quality of the ingredients that go into your dishes.
What I recommend, is you make a meal plan. Sit down with a piece of paper (or create a spreadsheet on the computer if you’re technically savvy) and create a chart, list each day of the week at the top (Monday – Friday) and write out a dish for each day that you wish to make. Here’s an example.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|
Oven Roasted Chicken with baked potato |
Meatloaf with smashed potatoes and fresh tomato salad |
Baked salmon with wild rice and steamed vegetable medley |
Chicken salad sandwiches (left over chicken from Monday) |
Baked Ziti with Arugula salad (or any other fresh veggie salad) |
Once you written out your plan, go grocery shopping, and buy all the needed ingredients. Wash all your veggies when you bring them home from the store, this will save you time when you are getting ready to cook. For recipe ideas, come back to my blog www.marinakitchen.wordpress.com
Remember, take a few breaks and eat a snacks, or drink a glass of wine while you cook, that way you stay relaxed and won’t feel tired by the time you’re done preparing your meals.
What are some of your tips that you could give this mom of three boys?
Marina's Kitchen 
Great Post. I prepare meals ahead of time (usually on Sundays) and do it with tennis shoes on – gives me stability and support, especially if in the kitchen for 2 to 3 hours. I do take breaks but this helps me keep going because my legs do not get so tired like they do with bare feet. Music helps too.
That’s a fantastic tip, Renee. I never thought about wearing tennis shoes, my feet always hurt. Thanks for sharing!