WHO HAS THYME TO COOK?

Figuring out what to feed your child is one of the hardest parts of parenting in my opinion. Making sure they have three balanced meals with snacks is already a lot and lets hope your child is not a picky eater. Most children go through eating phases and Nori was no exception. I found that meal planning and meal prepping have more benefits than drawbacks. Some ask what is the difference and it is really simple. You can plan your meals for the week and cook them as you go or you can prep your meals for the week on a Sunday or the night before which will decrease the time you spend on each meal during the week.

MEAL PLANNING

Meal planning has allowed me to plan out breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week. It makes it much easier to create my grocery list and if time is prohibiting me from making the meal I had scheduled for the day I can quickly switch to a quicker meal option without wondering if I have all ingredients. The drawback is I have to literally cook all day long if I don’t meal prep beforehand.

Meal prepping cuts down on the time it takes to make the meal. Meals like overnight oats and premade meals that can be quickly warmed up is a great solution to the cooking everyday problem. Simply cutting up your veggies or marinating your meats the night before can save on time.

CROCKPOTS CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND!

Now that it is getting colder outside you can make meals like Pot Roast, Chili and Soups in the Crockpot and it will require minimum effort on your end. There are ton of Crockpot meals that are kid friendly that the entire family can enjoy.

You don’t also have to cook a “five-course meal” to feel like you are giving your child the nutrients they need. A simple grilled cheese and tomato soup will do the trick and be ready in under 15 minutes. Cooking can feel like a chore don’t let it stress you. I have learned an Almond Butter and Jelly sandwich with fruit and chips tastes better to Nori than these overly planned meals I was creating her.

Check out some my quick and tasty meal ideas under the meal tab!