Adapting Your Meal Plan to Your Family’s Schedule Your meal plan should fit your family’s lifestyle. If some nights are busier than others, plan for quick meals or crockpot dishes that require minimal effort. On nights when everyone is home, consider cooking as a family to spend quality time together. Making Grocery Shopping More Efficient Running to the grocery store multiple times a week can be time-consuming. Meal planning helps eliminate extra trips by making shopping more intentional. • When your weekly meal plan is complete, create your grocery list. Thursday – Vegetarian Night • Main Dish: Chickpea and spinach curry with basmati rice • Side: Garlic naan Friday – Fish Friday • Main Dish: Baked salmon with lemon and herbs • Side: Roasted asparagus and quinoa Saturday – Leftover Night or DIY Dinner Use leftovers or have a “make your own pizza” night with various toppings. Sunday – Comfort Food • Main Dish: Homemade lasagna with garlic bread • Side: Steamed broccoli Having a structure makes it easier to plan, shop, and cook without the lastminute scramble for ideas. 144 HAWAII PARENT May/June 2025 “A structured meal plan saves time, cuts stress, and makes grocery shopping more efficient.” Spend less time stressing about meals and more time enjoying them with your family.
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