The season for meat pies and fruit cake is already over! For some, the holidays come to an end with a touch of nostalgia, for others, it means things are finally calm again and back to normal. After a few weeks of back-to-back parties with friends and family get-togethers, it’s now back to work or school, and that means lunches, groceries, meal planning, and so on.
Here are our best tips for a smoother return to routine:
- Plan your weekly menu before going grocery shopping. This way you won’t need to squeeze in a grocery run during the week.
- Set tasks for each family member.
- When preparing a meal, double or even triple the recipe! While you’re cooking and making a mess in the kitchen, make it worth your while by having leftovers you can freeze or eat for lunch.
- Prepare a large batch of grains at the beginning of the week: quinoa, orzo, barley, rice, etc. You can warm them up as a side to a meat dish or add to a salad for a more filling meal.
- Hard-boil eggs at the beginning of the week as well. You’ll have something for last minute sandwiches, or you can use them for a good dose of protein in an improvised meal salad.
- Always have a selection of breads in the freezer: sliced bread, bagels, tortillas… You’ll be ahead of the game on those mornings when you realize there’s no bread for toasts, and you’ll have something to make a sandwich as well.
- Wash and precut your fruits and vegetables as soon as you get back from grocery shopping. They’ll be that much more appetizing and quicker to enjoy, making them the perfect snack.
- Every once in a while, take a few hours to prepare dishes you can freeze. They will save the day when you get home late or have nothing planned for dinner.
- Think slow cooker! Your meal will be all ready when you get home.
- Feel free to opt for prepared products: grated carrots, pre-washed lettuce, cut fruit, marinated meats, pre-shredded cheese, roast chicken, etc. Sometimes the time you save with these products is well worth the few extra dollars.
- Always have some canned legumes in the pantry. They’re inexpensive and above all, very convenient. Add them to your “leftover” stir-fry or a hearty soup
