I recently contemplated having a weekly meal planner for our family after a recent chat with a lovely friend, Lady B. She mentioned needing to get home after the service and prep for Monday which was Beans day. “Beans day, I replied”. I asked her if she had set meals for each day of the week to which she responded and shared her list for the whole week.?
I caught the excitement in her voice when she said: “Friday is pasta day the girls love pasta”.
I have always felt having a set meal list for the week was boring and monotonous. The whole idea of a weekly menu felt like another failed task waiting to happen.What happens when I am unable to cook or prepare the set menu for that day or when I need a no cooking day. I also like being flexible when dealing with two under two boys (I need a “Lie in bed” plan for every day of the week.If there is such a thing.)
Lady B shared a tip on how this has helped her and the fact she doesn’t have it written down relieves her of the unseen pressure of having a menu list. She also has the flexibility of varying what is on her daily menu. For instance, she can opt to substitute rice on the menu for couscous and so on.
I haven’t stopped reflecting on our conversation as I can see how this can help our family of 4 have a balanced and nutritionally rich diet.
So I came up with a draft for this month.
Monday – Stew (any sauce) with rice and mixed vegetables
Tuesday – Soup (any) and Pounded yam or Cassava flakes ( We currently have two different frozen types of soup to choose from)
Wednesday – Roast potatoes and vegetables
Thursday -Soup (any) and Pounded yam or Cassava flakes (Garri).
Friday – Spaghetti bolognese or Pasta
Saturday – Beans and add-on (plantain or similar)
Sunday – Meal out/Takeaway or Jollof rice with vegetables
To all super organised mum’s out there. What are your thoughts on having a weekly meal planner? I am also keen on ideas for mine especially with a 22-month-old boy who loves to explore new taste and has a healthy appetite.
I think it’s a good idea. I had a come up with a 2 week plan previously which brings more variety. It’s good because it removes the slight stress of deciding what to cook on a busy day. And the kids have something to look forward to.
I didn’t stick to it though. The shops isles were full of other ideas and I’d get carried away with them. And sometimes it’s easier to use the ingredients that are left in the fridge. I guess if I had put a left-over-day and a spontaneous day then I might have stuck with it. I can’t remember why I stopped
All the best with it all
I love the idea of having a left over day and a spontaneous day. It gives us busy mum’s more flexibility with meal plans. Thanks for sharing this helpful tip