Ugh.
It’s almost dinnertime.
Again!
It keeps happening. Like every day.
Are you and your spouse giving each other the side eye, hoping one of you comes up with a magical meal that everyone will actually eat?
We are here to help you solve this daily dilemma.
It’s called meal planning — but not the super intense version. This is low-key, almost lazy. And you’re welcome because you’re gonna love it.
How to meal plan for your busy week ahead
Do not start out this meal planning gig by deciding you will make 7 homemade dinners from scratch.
That is setting yourself up for failure.
Instead, look ahead on your calendar and decide when is your family’s busiest day of the week.
This is a night for a family favorite that’s ultra easy on time — pizza and some bag salads or takeout from your go-to spot.
Now look to see what nights you have the most margin. Maybe your work schedule is light on Monday and you don’t have to take any kids to after-school activities.
You have time to make a full from-scratch dinner here. Maybe it’s white chicken chili or meatballs and mashed potatoes.
But make sure you only write a meal plan for a hard dinner when you have the capacity for it.
The nights where everyone is coming and going are next.
This is when you add in your crowd pleasers.
What meal does everyone love? Maybe it’s steak quesadillas with all the toppings. Chicken caesar wraps. Chipotle-style rice bowls. Homemade nuggets.
Weekend with games and performances and family time is either for leftovers, sandwiches or breakfast for dinner.
We go easy here. Everyone has had a long week and we might need a break.
If you get motivated to grill out, yay. Throw a couple of easy sides on the table alongside the grilled goodies and enjoy.
How to make mealtime smoother with picky eaters
If you have a picky eater, you understand how frustrating it can be to make something you believe to be a home run, and see your child turn it down immediately.
It takes the wind right out of your sails.
Never fear. We have been there and can tell you, it gets better.
Here are a few tips for those crazy days when you want to rip your hair out.
Let them graze. Set out a plate of their favorite raw veggies, fruits and dip while you cook. It’s amazing how many vegetables those little bellies will consume when they’re not sitting down at a formal dinner table.
I do not care if you grab 5 cucumber slices while you’re running through the room. Please come back for round two.
Another option is to make a meat, cheese and cracker platter. Almost like a build-your-own Lunchable. Great protein options and parents are less stressed when dinner comes around and plates aren’t cleared.
Keep favorites on hand. Picky eaters tend to have some go-to favorites.
It’s okay to offer these alongside dinner.
Make a plate with small portions of what everyone else is having and those you know the picky one will eat. This is not the hill we die on.
Recognize appropriate portion sizes. We highly recommend keeping an age-appropriate portion-size visual aid in the kitchen.
It’s hard to remember that kids can eat much less than adults and be satisfied.
Try not to compare your kids' eating habits to each other or comment on portions. Teach your kids to listen to their bodies and trust them when they’re hungry or full.
Family mealtimes continue to be an important opportunity for encouraging a healthy relationship with food as kids get older.
Interested in trying meal planning for your family? Download our Weekly Meal Planner PDF today and get started!