To simplify life, many individuals embrace the once-a-month meal prep strategy, where they purchase, prepare, and cook an entire month’s worth of meals in a single day, then freeze them for later use. However, I’m not one of those organized souls.
While the concept of stocking my freezer with a month’s worth of meals seems appealing—like preparing for an apocalypse—it demands a level of planning and space that I simply don’t possess. On top of that, my family’s chaotic schedule usually derails even my best intentions. The typical frenzy of the evening meal prep only adds to my reluctance to commit to such an ambitious cooking plan.
Determined, I decided I could manage a week’s worth of meal planning. Armed with a grocery list, I settled down one Sunday afternoon to devise my weekly menu. I envisioned smooth weeknights, complete with all the necessary ingredients at my fingertips. Unfortunately, the reality of meal planning quickly unraveled as the week progressed, transforming my carefully curated menu into a culinary disaster.
Meatless Monday
I kicked off the week with a no-fail Vegetable Soup, convinced that my hearty recipe could convert my meat-loving family into veggie enthusiasts. Instead, my husband and kids examined their bowls with disdain. My husband discreetly nudged carrots aside while the boys picked out onions, declaring, “Ew! What’s that green stuff floating next to the potato?” I casually dubbed it parsley, fully aware that it was actually kale. After much coaxing, my picky teenagers abandoned their bowls, exclaiming they were “full” and retreated upstairs with extra bread. Day One: Epic Fail.
Tasty Tuesday
For dinner, I aimed high, channeling my inner gourmet chef with a chicken dish topped with Asiago cheese and basil, paired with oven-roasted dill carrots and penne pasta. Just as dinner was ready, family plans fell apart. My husband had to work late, my older son was busy with a school project, and my younger one had soccer practice. After two hours of keeping the meal warm, my culinary masterpiece turned into an unrecognizable charred mess. That’s 0-2.
Win-Them-Back Wednesday
In an effort to regain their favor, I opted for a family classic: a slow-cooked chili. I set the ingredients in the crockpot, excited for the spicy aroma to welcome us home after a long day. However, after eight hours, we returned to a kitchen that smelled of… nothing. I realized I had forgotten to plug in the crockpot. The raw meat inside was practically mooing as I cracked the lid open. I resorted to tortilla chips and salsa for dinner, dubbing it a Tex-Mex appetizer. Clearly, I’m not cut out for meal planning.
Thankless Thursday
After three failed attempts, I found myself cursing the meal plan and opting for canned soup, hoping no one would notice the lack of homemade effort. To my surprise, my sons complimented the soup and asked me to “make this more often.” Really? I clung to that Campbell family recipe, questioning why I even bothered.
Free-for-All Friday
With everyone’s schedules diverging, I abandoned the idea of a sit-down meal together. My older son grabbed fast food at the mall, my younger son inhaled a PB&J in the car, and I munched on pretzels while rushing him to soccer practice. My husband hoped to snag a hot dog if he remembered cash. It felt like my meal plan was gasping for breath.
Suck-It Saturday
By the weekend, chaos reigned. The boys were bickering, my husband was wrestling with plumbing issues, and I was in tears over my cookbook while tossing frozen fish sticks at the kids. I fled the scene, pretending not to hear their pleas for “just one more chance.”
Sanity-Saving Sunday
Tonight, I savored a glass of wine alone, buried in Erma Bombeck’s Aunt Erma’s Cope Book. I remembered I couldn’t just opt-out of family dinners. Glancing at the stack of menus on the counter, I decided to support local businesses instead. I picked up the phone and heard the words that brought joy to my weary heart: “China Wok, may I help you?”
I salute those who master meal planning, but for the rest of us? We’re eternally grateful for takeout. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, visit our post about the at-home insemination kit for additional insights.
In summary, planning meals can be a daunting task, especially for busy families. The chaos of everyday life often derails even the best-laid plans, leading to frozen dinners and takeout options. It’s a struggle many can relate to, and sometimes it’s just easier to embrace the convenience of local dining options.