I read somewhere that moms often start thinking about what they will make for dinner around lunchtime, or maybe even earlier in the day? Let’s face it, even on a good day getting a healthy dinner served at a reasonable time (without grumbling!) and then cleaning it all up can be an overwhelming task.
My three children all are now in their teens so I have plenty of years of experience making dinner. What I have decided all these years into it, is that the challenge isn’t really as much about actually cooking dinner as it’s about being prepared to cook dinner. I have learned that a little preparation makes the chance of getting dinner on the table without so much stress you don’t enjoy it possible.
The data shows there are huge benefits to having regular dinner as a family. As hectic as life is, dinner is often the one chance families have to sit down and connect with each other. My goal is to help you do just that, as often as possible during the week by providing easy to follow meal plans full of healthy and nourishing food.
I have created a simple meal planning system I am calling The Dinner Plan. Using social media, I make it easy for you to know what is for dinner and be prepared to cook it every night. All the meals are simple, healthy and kid-friendly (let’s be honest, busy weeknights aren’t the time for a 20 ingredient recipe!). Each weekly plan features at least one super easy, dinner on the table in 15 minutes or less option, plus four other well-rounded and nourishing meal ideas that are simple to make for your family.
When you sign up for The Dinner Plan each week you will be emailed a meal plan and a shopping list ahead of time, so you are prepared for the week ahead. Simply pull it up on your phone in the store, or shop online ahead, and you will never face “we have nothing for dinner” again.
WHAT MAKES THE DINNER PLAN DIFFERENT
Obviously there are other meal plan services out there, so here are the key components of my plan.
- All the meals are simple, without long lists of ingredients. Shortcuts are offered whenever possible, and each week offer a range of super simple meals (for busy nights full of activities) and slightly more involved dinners for nights where you might have more time. I know how important it is to feed your family nourishing food, food that you feel good about so all the meals rely on wholesome ingredients. I will always include a shortcut when I can (making a homemade sauce vs. a store bought) so you can decide what fits your schedule on that day.
- When I asked what was important in a dinner recipe, the overwhelming answer was “healthy”, so I strive to include foods that are healthy but also comforting (for the current winter menu), with protein and vegetables for balance.
- With food costs rising I strive to keep the food budget in mind. I share all my best tricks for keeping shopping affordable but still focused on eating healthy.
- Everyone has different dietary needs, for years I have been cooking for two athletic teenage boys with huge appetites, but I am at my best on a plant-based, gluten-free diet. My daughter is a classic picky eater and my husband strives for mostly protein. Over the years I have developed tricks to keep everyone happy. I love to talk about health and healthy eating so my suggestions to keep you, the mom, feeling your best are always a part of the conversation!
- Not everyone is cooking for a big family, but everyone still has to eat. While the most meals are generally sized to feed a family of 4, with modifications for larger groups, I also share ways to save leftovers to accommodate smaller families, couples or singles. I focus mostly on meals made with whole grains, affordable proteins and plants, combined in a way to please everyone in the family. I also include (unlike most other meal plans), gluten-free modifications, vegetarian ideas and other tips so you can eat a special diet without extra stress.
- I believe the key to success is less about meal prep and more about planning ahead. While I will suggest that you prep some ingredients ahead, it’s never essential. What I strive to do instead is design meals that can also be used later in the week in a busier night. I also incorporate favorite standbys to have ready at all times, so on those crazy nights, you can pull a meal together in minutes. I mention when you can cook an ingredient you will use again later in the week as a time saver. I also include modifications for using a slow cooker so you can make the dinner ahead and have it ready at dinner time if you choose.
- While the basics of The Dinner Plan are available by signing up for the weekly emails with the printable plan, recipes and grocery list, as a bonus member you can, via the magic of Instagram subscriptions, see how to prepare your dinner and the ingredients each day. I also share all sorts of related topics like healthy living, entertaining ideas and my favorite kitchen tips and tricks—I hope you will join us on social media too! The Instagram subscription is designed to work in conjunction with the printed plan so while you don’t have to sign up for both, having both tools is definitely ideal.
To sign up for the printable Dinner Plan weekly menu plan, that includes all the recipes and a shopping list click the “Click to Subscribe” button below. Each Friday you will receive an email including the coming week’s recipes and the shopping lists so you can prepare for the week ahead. Considering a drive-through meal is around $40 for a family of four, I am sure you will find the service well worth it, this is about $1.34 a week.
NOTE: Menus will change seasonally, therefore the membership begins when you sign up and ends at the end of the current 12-16 week period (based on the time of the year). Winter 2023 will end on April 30. A new Spring/Summer Meal Plan will be available on May 1.
My goal is to make this service valuable but also affordable. I know just how hard it is to get dinner on the table each evening day after day, so my hope is that this takes some of the stress out of it for you! Also, even more important is that a portion of all sales go directly toward providing meals for those that face food insecurity, I believe everyone should have a chance to eat well.
Click below to be taken to the check out page. You will receive a link to a weekly menu immediately upon checking out to your email. After that, each Friday you will receive the coming week’s menu. Simple and easy!
If you have questions, please email me at amy@11magnolialane.com.