I added a page to my blog today with meal plan, grocery list and cooking instructions. I have a loved one who is struggling with working full time, going to school online in the evenings and feeding a family of 4. She asked me to put together something for her, so I also posted it here. I tried to put a plan together that does not mess up many dishes during preparation and has simple ingredients. I tried to keep the week’s meals under $100. I actually think the shopping list will be under $85. If you don’t eat leftovers, this plan equates to about $10 per evening meal and weekend breakfasts for at least 4 people. If you use leftovers for lunch, it makes the cost per meal less. It includes veggies and is nutritious.
I don’t worry about calories, but have found that when you stop eating out and start eating food from scratch, you stop gaining weight and may lose some. There are SOOOOO many calories and bad fat from prepared food that it is easy to beat this at home, even it you’re cooking with cheese and sour cream!
You could do much better on food costs if you shopped sales and combined with coupons, but many working mom’s just don’t have time to pull this off. I remember how hard it was to juggle home and outside work. If moms who work outside the home are cooking evening meals at home, they are still saving a ton even if they’re not using a ton of saving methods. Eating out is still much more expensive.
This plan does take about 6 hours on Sunday afternoon, plus a trip to the grocery store. It is not 6 hours of constant cooking but you need to be there. I’m assuming you already have to grocery shop, so this is a wash. I’m also assuming you are running to fast food which also takes time. When you add the time you spend in the McDonald’s lane, it might just add up to the prep time I’ve allocated on Sunday afternoon.
We do need a day of rest. It is one of the 10 commandments. I’m “giving” you Saturday for this day which is actually the “7th” day of the week.
I hope this helps a few of you who are looking for a plan to get started.
November 20, 2008 at 7:22 pm |
I just wanted to say thanks again. I have shared this with 2 other people and we are going to try the week menu starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving.