For some, it may seem perfectly logical. For others, it may seem impossible. Menu planning. If it's your responsibility to feed the family or even just yourself, just a little planning can ease the stress of providing nutritious, wholesome food everyday. I am inspired to keep this up when I know I'm cooking/eating a well-balanced meal and feel great doing it. Since I started volunteering to provide Wellness Wednesdays (promoting healthy eating and active living for our children) at the Summit County Preschool, I have been inspired to follow the USDA MyPlate guidelines for our family. The MyPlate guidelines have essentially replaced the old food pyramid guidelines. It illustrates the 5 food groups with 1/2 your plate consisting of fruits and vegetables, the other 1/2 consisting of grains and proteins, and a side of dairy.
I get excited when I have a plan in place and don't feel plagued each day on what I'm going to cook for dinner. So, *most* weekends, I sit down and make a menu plan of 3-5 recipes for the week. I use favorite recipes from family and friends and Damn Delicious to create my weekly menu. Then I make a grocery shopping list of ingredients I'll need. My shopping is also that much more quick and efficient because I have my list and don't need to run out for last minute/forgotten items. Now, I have a choice of what meal to cook throughout the week. I know, this is such a Type A trait, but anyone can do it! Why not try it and see if it saves a little stress from your daily routine? So it's really simple...
- Make a list of recipes
- Make another list of ingredients you'll need
- Go shopping
- Choose from your menu and cook away!
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| Whiteboard hanging in our kitchen |
Just try it... I'd love to hear how it goes for you!
*originally posted 12/17/12, updated 11/11/15 with Damn Delicious -- where I get easy, simple, delicious recipes!
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