Have you ever sat down and thought, "This is it. I'm going to do it. We're not going out to eat anymore. I'm going to cook at home."
Then all of a sudden, it's Tuesday and you've got to get two boys to baseball practice and one girl to gymnastics. You decide to swing through a drive-through, because you just don't have the time. Then, it's Wednesday. All the kids are headed to church. They come out hungry, but it's already late. You just pick up a pizza on the way home. Friday comes and you're exhausted. "Let's just grab something on the way home," you think, "I'm too tired to cook."
Finally- it's Saturday. You have no plans for the day, so you decide to stay home and cook. You look through your fridge, your freezer, and your pantry. You've got lots of items, but you can't figure out how to turn those things into a meal. Exasperated, you take the family out one more time for the week. "It's just easier," you sigh.
We get it. We really do. There's nothing more daunting than the realization that we, as parents, literally have to decide what to eat for us and our kids every day for the rest of forever. There's also nothing more shocking than adding up what you spend on food each month for your family.
But cooking at home and eating on a budget does NOT have to stress you out! With a little planning and the right stores, it can be easier than three kids trying to agree on a restaurant for dinner!
If this sounds like you, you should check out our retail box packages. They were designed with the busy family in mind. You can buy one box for the week, plan your meals around it, and lower your grocery bill all just by shopping at Mineola Packing.
We've provided a template below that you can print to start planning your weekly meals. We've also included an example on how to put one of our boxes to use.
Here are some of our Pro-Tips to start Meal Planning:
Pick one day of the week to grocery shop. Stick to it every week. I like Fridays, so that my house is always ready for the weekend.
Set a budget. Set a budget. Set a budget.
Find a meal planning tool that you love and you'll stick to. I like the one below because I can fill it out, carry it with me to the grocery store, and then hang it on my fridge when I'm done.
Don't start from scratch. Check your fridge, pantry, and freezer before you start. Build your meals around things that are about to spoil or expire. Use those things up first.
Don't be afraid of frozen fruits and veggies. They last longer and they taste just as good.
Think double duty: dinner one night can be lunch the next day.
Give yourself grace. There really will be nights that you are just too tired to cook. On those nights, just go out to eat.
We may sell meat, but we're really in the family business. We know that you want to feed your family safe, wholesome, affordable meals, but we also know that that task can seem overwhelming. Let us make it easier.
Come see us, and thanks for letting our family feed yours.
