• Double recipes like soups and stews to freeze for later. Prepping in advance ensures you always have something ready to go on busy nights. Making Meal Planning a Habit Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, keep a running list of meals, and use categories to structure your plan. The key is to make it fit your lifestyle. Planning might feel overwhelming at first, but it gets easier with practice. Over time, meal planning becomes second nature, helping you save time, money, and energy while ensuring your family enjoys home-cooked meals with less stress. • Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer first to avoid buying duplicates. • Organize your list by store sections (produce, dairy, meat, dry goods) to save time. • Look for sales and coupons to keep costs down. • Buy staple ingredients in bulk so you always have the basics on hand. The Power of Meal Prep Meal prep can further simplify the cooking process. If you have a free day, use it to: • Chop vegetables ahead of time. • Cook grains in bulk for multiple meals. • Marinate proteins so they’re ready to cook. 146 HAWAII PARENT May/June 2025 “A little prep goes a long way— plan ahead, save time, and make mealtime stress-free.” Prepping ingredients can shorten cooking time later.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==