A Relatable Guide for Juggling Toddlers, Side Gigs, and Dinner
This ultimate meal planning guide for busy moms has 5 basic points I use on a daily basis. Intrigued? As a stay-at-home mom with two toddler tornadoes and side gigs piling up, I can confidently say this: meal planning is my survival strategy. Because, honestly, after answering “What’s for dinner?” for the millionth time, it’s either this or hide in the pantry with a bag of chocolate chips.
This ultimate guide will show you how to meal plan without losing your mind. I’ve thrown in some humor (because we deserve a laugh), personal stories, and resources to make meal planning easy, even for moms with no free hands. Plus, stick around till the end for a FREE Meal Planning Printable for Busy Moms that’ll help you organize meals like the superwoman you are.
If you think you want your significant other to entertain your kid while you prep this guide… here are 7 ways they can help! YOU ARE WELCOME! 🙂
1. Start with a Simple Weekly Plan
Why It Works: A simple plan keeps you focused and eliminates last-minute stress. No more panic-googling “easy dinner ideas” at 5:59 p.m.
How I Do It: Choose one day each week (Sunday is my go-to) to plan meals. I keep it themed for simplicity: “Meatless Monday,” “Taco Tuesday,” and “Whatever’s Leftover Wednesday.” Categories save brainpower—and we need all we can get.
💜 Quick Tip: Write the plan somewhere visible, like a whiteboard or your fridge. I’ve been using a magnetic meal planner, and it’s a game-changer. Check this one out on Amazon.
2. Shop Your Pantry First
Why It Works: Reduces waste and saves money. Plus, you’ll finally use that random bag of quinoa that’s been staring at you since 2020.
How I Do It: Before making a grocery list, I take a quick inventory of my pantry, fridge, and freezer. I build meals around what I already have—think pasta with frozen veggies or soups with those beans I forgot existed.
💜 Quick Tip: Keep your pantry organized. I swear by these airtight food storage containers and a dry-erase board to track what I have (and avoid buying duplicates). Life. Saver.
3. Batch Cook Like a Pro
Why It Works: Cooking in bulk saves time and sanity. It’s like giving your future self a big hug.
How I Do It: I pick 2–3 recipes each week that freeze well—soups, casseroles, or stir-fries. I’ll double the recipes, freeze half, and voila—dinner is ready for those nights when I’m too tired to think.
💜 Quick Tip: Invest in freezer-friendly meal containers and a label maker. Seriously, you’ll thank me when you don’t mistake chili for spaghetti sauce at 9 p.m. THESE ARE MY FAVORITE!
4. Use Quick and Kid-Friendly Recipes
Why It Works: Because cooking dinner should not feel like a punishment. And getting toddlers to eat can feel like negotiating with a tiny, irrational dictator.
How I Do It: I stick to recipes with 5–10 ingredients. Bonus: I let my girls pick one meal each week. When they’re involved, they’re more likely to eat… or at least lick it before rejecting it.
💜 Quick Tip: Keep a binder of family favorites in plastic sleeves. I use this recipe binder to avoid those frantic scrolls through Pinterest.
5. Prep Ingredients in Advance
Why It Works: Prepping saves you from weekday chopping marathons when your toddlers are clinging to your leg.
How I Do It: Right after grocery shopping, I spend 30–60 minutes washing, chopping, and portioning ingredients into labeled containers. If I’m pressed for time, I’ll grab pre-cut veggies because, honestly, some weeks, my ambition runs out by Tuesday.
💜 Quick Tip: Use a mandoline slicer for super-fast chopping or invest in a multi-compartment food storage set for ultimate fridge organization.
Bonus Resources to Save the Day
- Meal Planning Apps: Try Mealime, Plan to Eat, or Yummly to simplify your planning process.
- Kitchen Tools: Get an Insta POT and an Air Fryer. These are what I have!
- Templates: Grab my FREE meal planning printable here. You’re welcome!
Conclusion: You’ve Got This, Mama
Meal planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about working smarter, not harder—so you can spend more time playing tea party with your toddlers and less time wondering what’s for dinner. Start small. Pick one or two hacks from this guide and give them a try this week. Your future self (and your sanity) will thank you.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab your free Meal Planning Printable for Busy Moms here. You’ve got this! 🌟
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