Batch Cooking
In my quest to “make a clearing” this year as I try to balance mothering an infant and a three year-old, starting a school and a national charter management organization, making time for health and wellness, and continuing to nurture my marriage/friendships/relationships with family/neighborly connections, I started experimenting with batch cooking. I start cooking early on Sunday afternoon. I try to cook our most difficult meal first. Otherwise, I’ll avoid it all week long and make excuses. None of our meals are particularly difficult, but some are harder than others (like Lebanese soup, which has multiple steps).
In between all the steps, I start the prep work for other meals. In some cases, I can make the entire meal and store it in the fridge (like Mexican Macaroni & Cheese). Other times, I just get the chopping out of the way (which helps a ton!) or make the rice or quinoa.
It’s a small thing, but it adds up to big time savings!
3 Comments
Kelsey
Oh I'm so glad you're finding this helpful! This has become an important part of our weekly routine.
Kristen
I am trying this too and using the Happy Herbivore meal plans which have shopping lists, etc. It makes Sunday evenings a little hectic, but the rest of the week is a lot smoother, and I am eating healthier.
Kristy
Such a time saver! I find it makes healthier eating during the week so much easier. I usually do the same – meal that takes the longest to make first. I also try to plan meals where we might not eat leftovers (ie. breakfast for dinner) for a Friday night and keep the good leftover meals for during the week so I don't have to think as much about lunches. I'd love to hear more of your little strategies that are helping to make things easier at home to allow you to make that clearing.