Working full time and trying to fuel your family the best foods possible can be draining; I get it! After all, until this last April 2022, I was working a full-time corporate-style job and working my nutrition business full time. So when I tell you I get it, I mean it. When I first started changing the way our family ate, making things from scratch seemed daunting and time-consuming. What I can tell you is that if you do it once, it keeps getting easier and less time-consuming over time. Why? Because everything in life takes time when you try it for the first time. However, as you continue to practice doing something it gets easier and takes less time; it's like they say, practice makes perfect.
I know how much it means to you to bring healthier foods in your home so that you can lead the healthiest lifestyle possible and I know it seems like a lot of work, but I promise it will get easier. Let me share some of my tips with you so that you can keep up with the demands of work and family as the kids go back to school.
Meal Plan - I know this sounds daunting but so is moving through the week without a plan. You don't have to make a plan that calls out what you will eat specifically on certain days but having a plan and an idea helps you in a few ways.
You are setting an intention that helps follow the plan
You have the ingredients you need to make the food you planned on cooking
You'll have leftovers that will help you fuel yourself the next day or even days after.
You don't have to dread the "what's for dinner" questions. Sure it may still come up, but you have a plan!
You won't order DoorDash or run through the drive-through because that would be wasteful. You have everything at home!
Prep- Prepping can be as simple as cutting up fruits and vegetables or making breakfast sausage for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week. It doesn't have to consist of making an entire meal and sticking it in the fridge to heat up later. Stick to simple things that work for your family. If you have the time to prep entire meals and that works for your family, then do that! If simply having cut-up fruits, veggies and pre-made meats in the fridge works for your family, Do that! Do what works best for your family dynamic.
Ask for help- Whether it's asking your kids to do age-appropriate tasks like cutting, stirring, washing, or mixing; ask for help! This is a great way to teach your kids more about food, get the help that you need, and chat with them about their day or learn what they like and don't like without pressure. You are in the kitchen anyway, mine as well get some help and chat with them too. Ask your spouse or other family members that live with you.
Lastly, if you are in CA's NorCal, Bay Area, or LA metropolitan area, check out! Foodom! I have to tell you, I was pleasantly surprised at how a family of 4 could have several meals planned and prepped for $168.00 a week. This included cutting up fruits and veggies to help with lunch prep. Simply add your meals to the cart and watch the price change and reduce as you add more. The price included groceries, and a chef coming into the home to get it all prepped for the family! Go to https://www.myfoodom.com/ and use code Wellness.Homemade10 for 10$ off your first order.
I can't stress this enough- Start with one or two things, get comfortable with them and then add something else later on. Do what works for your family and give yourself grace.