6 Dinner Time Saving Tips

As a full time working mom, meal planning is one of the hardest and most time consuming tasks to manage. You want the family to sit down to a healthy meal, but let's face it, that takes time. Here are a few time saving tips that I use to manage weekday meals, when time is all too precious.

1. Menu planning

Plan your menu ahead. That means before you even head to the supermarket. Make a list of ingredients you will need for the week.

2. Meal prepping

To save time during the weekdays, prep your meals and put them in ziplock bags right when you get back from the grocery store. Cut, wash, and portion your herbs, veggies and meat. Throw them in the freezer to stay fresh longer, but if you plan on using them in a night or two, the fridge will suffice.

3. Cook ahead meals

Casserole and baked dishes like lasagna are great because you can prep them on weekends after your grocery run. You can even cook them ahead so it's just a matter of reheating them before meals.

4. Slow-cooked meals

If you have prepped your meals during the weekends, or whenever you had time, your slow-cooker can easily be one of your favorite appliances. Just throw everything in the night before or the morning of, and press a button. Easy-peasy and tasty. You can even do this ahead and just reheat the night of.  Slow cooked meals always tastes better over time.

5. Stir-fry

Again, the key is to prep your meals ahead. Then stir fry nights become 15 minute meals. Throw some rice or pasta in the mix and you have a complete meal. Best of all, the possibilities are endless! You won't feel like you are eating the same meals repetitively.

6. Get the family involved

Think making your own pizza or Taco Tuesdays. Just whip out the ingredients and let the kids work a little. It's fun for them and easy for you.