Fredericksburg Parent

8 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • August 2024 Most folks know that meal planning is the key to avoiding food impulse purchases and unhealthy take out, as well as saving money. But I still think many people are overwhelmed at the idea of sit- ting down to meal plan that they continue with their bad habits even when they want change. But meal planning is as close to a "magic potion" as you can get in terms of keeping organized and spending less. It doesn't have to be scary. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you're just starting out with the practice and are still feeling overwhelmed: STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF: Don't try to plan gourmet recipes and elaborate dishes from scratch if you aren't a huge fan of cooking. Simi- larly, if you do want to embrace your inner chef, go for it and enjoy. In other words, consider what kind of cook you are, and how your family really eats. There is nothing wrong with boxed mac and cheese and a bagged salad for dinner. START SIMPLE: If planning for a week or two weeks at a time feels looming, commit to just even three days of planned meals and see how it goes. You'll soon find that it's not as scary as you think to begin thinking ahead. WRITTEN BY DEBRA CAFFREY practical pantry Making Meal Planning Making Meal Planning Less Overwhelming Less Overwhelming ENLIST HELP: Ask your spouse and kids for ideas for meals; this can be a consistent habit when you meal plan so you share the responsibility and don't feel alone. You'll soon realize your family may prefer many "go to" meals and you don't have to reinvent the wheel. DOUBLE UP: Plan a meal that can be utilized as leftovers the next night, such as lasagna or baked ziti with salad and garlic bread. You can also think of easy dinner items that can be reimagined the following day so you're consolidating ingredients. For instance, a store-bought rotisserie chicken can make a lovely meal one night with some easy sides, and you can turn the leftover meat into chicken salad wraps for everyone's lunch the following day. SHOP AT HOME FIRST: I cannot stress enough how essential it is to take inventory of what's already in your kitchen first, then plan meals around those items. This will save you tons in terms of time and money, and prevent waste. See what meals you can come up with to finish that open jar of tomato sauce in the fridge, opened frozen peas, and fancy Thai peanut sauce that's been sitting in the pantry for a while. If all else fails, Google is your friend. Finally, try to think of food and meals you can make in the back- ground of your mind all week before you actually sit down to plan. Craving meatballs? Jot it down. See a yummy salad idea on Insta- gram? Bookmark it. Kids asking for taco night again? Make a mental note. Brainstorming in advance will make the actual planning a piece of cake.

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