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A system for successful meal planning in under 30 minutes!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ส.ค. 2024
  • 📄Free meal planning printables!!! ⬇️
    docs.google.co...
    👩‍🍳Click on this link to meal plan and cook with me!
    • Meal Plan with me AND ...
    __________
    Some of the recipes shown in this video:
    Pumpkin Chili:
    pin.it/5zoPPKP
    Mango Chicken Curry:
    pin.it/64n7ODk
    Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts:
    pin.it/4E8m4mR
    Breaded Drumsticks:
    pin.it/1Zkmoj7
    __________
    📸 INSTAGRAM: / that_awkwardmom
    ✉️ Send me mail!
    PO Box 315
    Oneonta, NY 13820
    __________
    TIMESTAMPS:
    0:00 You CAN meal plan!
    0:40 Step 1
    2:22 Step 2
    4:00 Step 3
    6:06 3 Bonus Tips to keep your meal plan ORGANIZED

ความคิดเห็น • 274

  • @michellem9444
    @michellem9444 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    One of my favorite tips for leftovers: create a "soup bag" in the freezer. When you have little bits and dabs of meat, veggies, whatever left over and there's not enough to serve for a second meal, throw it in a ziploc bag in the freezer. Keep doing this for a few weeks, or until the bag is full. Then you can dump the soup bag in a big pot, and make whatever kind of soup base sounds good (tomato, creamy, broth). Spice it up to your liking. You can add pasta or rice if you want. It's a great way to use up leftovers! :)

    • @tanyafromjefferson5484
      @tanyafromjefferson5484 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I LOVE this idea!!

    • @tumblingrosesstudio
      @tumblingrosesstudio ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Oh, WOW, what a great tip!!!❤❤❤

    • @itsacarolbthing5221
      @itsacarolbthing5221 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Genius!! I'm going to do this. I'm also going to keep a bubble'n'squeak bag too. It's delicious with gammon!

    • @VintageJ129
      @VintageJ129 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Love this idea. I used to do something similar though not as organized. I would use leftovers from frig, freezer, and stuff in the pantry and make a rice bowl or soup. Made a chicken dish once that the family loved and became a regular.

    • @michellechouinard4958
      @michellechouinard4958 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I do this with my spaghetti sauce, because we always have like a spoonful or two left... lol.

  • @karenjohnson5873
    @karenjohnson5873 ปีที่แล้ว +187

    So glad you are back! You are one of the few people on you tube who seems so normal like one of us. Can't wait for the next video. Oh and the chili you make was a hit in our house.

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Thanks Karen!! Always good to hear from you ❤️❤️

    • @lindiemoon
      @lindiemoon ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I’ve tried meal planning a few times and it’s always the mental effort of sitting down and actually planning that puts me off… the cooking, the shopping is fine. I don’t know why! Because the alternative (the endless hair-pulling of “what should I make for dinner tonight?”) is just as bad, nay - it’s worse since I have to think about it every single day.
      This year I wrote my master list of meals onto individual wooden paddle craft sticks and threw them all in a jar. My kids pick out the meals we’re having for the week. They choose four sticks at random and we get a surprise to see what’s coming up. If it’s a recent meal or the spread of meals (between meats and veg) isn’t diverse enough then another stick is picked until it’s a good menu. One night a week we do home made pizzas, another night I try something new/something we’re specifically in the mood for, and the last night is what my kids call “simple dinner” - where we finish off leftovers or just have eggs, grilled cheese etc.
      I envy your ability to work left overs into your menu. I’m used to cooking quantities so there’s rarely leftovers / only enough to take for lunch the next day.

    • @AshleyRJones8
      @AshleyRJones8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ThatAwkwardMom just a heads up that a duplicate is out there trying to scam people in your name...I reported it, but thought you should know. 🤔

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@AshleyRJones8 Thanks Ashley, which video are they doing this on?

    • @ExtraordinaryMachine333
      @ExtraordinaryMachine333 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@ThatAwkwardMom This one, "a system for successful meal planning in 30 minutes". They replied to my comment as you, and called me love, LOL! And offered "investment advise". Uh huh, sure.

  • @debbiemize2269
    @debbiemize2269 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    I made menu cards years ago, like when my grown children were toddlers and no teens in the house (they’re now 49, 45, and 39)! I am still using those cards, and have even added a few new ones!

    • @somethingbambi875
      @somethingbambi875 ปีที่แล้ว

      I remember my mum had a very good book, kinda like cards, because you could switch each category by itself and not the whole page.
      Very good idea, thank you!

  • @FLMegan
    @FLMegan ปีที่แล้ว +42

    I'm FINALLY meal planning & I'm even at the bargin grocery store with app point & coupons. Girl, a budget is no joke right now. And yes, a frozen pizza IS a meal! 🤣

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Hey you did it!!! Proud of you 🥰

    • @rettpanda6203
      @rettpanda6203 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      And sometimes a frozen pizza is cheaper than making it yourself

  • @concernedmartian6430
    @concernedmartian6430 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I'm a student at uni. I meal plan once a week before the student trip to Aldi and I freeze spare food and I'm so thankful I do this. Works out so much cheaper.

  • @alisonway8904
    @alisonway8904 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I love how you're very real and honest, and make light of your mistakes, and don't try to pretend you're perfect and have everything sorted. It makes it easy and reassuring to watch your tips and feel relief "oh, I'm glad I'm not the only one who hasn't cleaned their oven in a while or who ate snacks for tea!"

  • @MrsPink64
    @MrsPink64 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I do theme meal planning. Sunday is fun day. Monday is meatless , Tuesday is Mexican, Wednesday is meat and potatoes, Thursday is stir fry, sheet pan or instant pot, Friday is seafood or dinner out, and Saturday is FCO…fridge clean out. I use a wall calendar. The others put meals on the calendar regularly.

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That sounds so fun!

    • @marinaabad4995
      @marinaabad4995 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I do this, but Monday is fridge clean out with leftovers that haven't been repurposed, Taco Tuesday (anything Mexican like), Wok Wednesday (Asian food), Simple Thursday (repurposed leftovers, sandwiches), Fun Friday (Usually pizza), Fast food Saturday (make at home burgers, sloppy joes, hot dogs), and Sunday Dinner (meatloaf, roast chicken from Costco, steak, try new recipe).
      I don't use a recipe for chili but use a crock pot. I boil the beans for 15 minutes on the stove then drain into crockpot. Cook until almost tender then add leftover chicken, meat, salsa, enchilada sauce and enchilada innards, no tortillas, leftover veggies, no broccoli, even potatoes, and whatever and drained rinsed canned beans. Taste and season accordingly. Finish in crock pot. I can usually cook this in 4 hours with crock pot on high and I'm home. Also, for fun, Breakfast for Dinner. Good use of leftover baked potatoes or make then the night before in the microwave and refrigerate. Grate cooked potatoes unpeeled then cook in pan with oil. Use precooked bacon or sausage. I have pancakes and waffles in the freezer and cook eggs to order. Fun family meal and no restaurant check.

  • @laurasimmer9612
    @laurasimmer9612 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I started a list similar to yours a year or two ago! I added another category... "large meals" those are meals that result in leftovers... so stuff like spaghetti, chili, potato soup, ect. I didn't think about making a category of meals that I could make with leftovers!
    I know some folks don't like leftovers at all... but it saves us a lot of time & money! My husband always loves to take leftovers for his lunch at work! Sometimes we leave leftovers for dinner too if we can stand to eat it that many times in a row. Lol

  • @xXDalyladollyXx
    @xXDalyladollyXx ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Ive missed you, you are so genuine and your videos show the real struggle. It makes me feel am not alone

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Good because you are 100% not alone! We're all in this together 💗

  • @maggieprice357
    @maggieprice357 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Yay, you’re back! I love watching your videos because you’re so relatable! Most mommy TH-camrs have a particular aesthetic (you all know what I’m talking about!) and their homes look super expensive and perfectly decorated. It’s just nice to see an awesome, normal mom with a house that looks like mine - things you’d like to change, Mickey Mouse kids decor, and toys in the toddler bed and all 😂

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      This is how it's like for most mom's! Those fancy TH-cam mom's are the unusual ones. lol ❤️

    • @maggieprice357
      @maggieprice357 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ThatAwkwardMom I’m so glad you said that because I used to think that I was the weird one! I live in a small rural town where really no one’s house looks like their houses and I actually had to stop watching those moms’ channels because I found myself becoming envious and discontented with the home that I have! A home that, yes, there are things I’d like to change and update but it’s a cute home which my husband lovingly provided for us and spent quite a lot of time and money making the backyard nice for our children. God put on my heart that I can make even an “imperfect” home look nice and inviting. I see you doing the same thing and it’s a wonderful encouragement.

    • @maggieprice357
      @maggieprice357 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh and I don’t know what time zone you’re in but I’ve been up since 4 central time with really sick kids and you’re clearly up early as well and that made me smile 😄 a nod to the fact that us moms often get up super early for various reasons

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@maggieprice357 yeah I feel that as well. The jealousy of other people's homes creeping up on me sometimes. But that stuff cost a lot of money, and people are def not doing it for free! And there's probably much better ways to spend our money, like fun family vacations! I'd much rather live in my 100 year old house with wallpaper painted over and take a fun vacation each year with my family than to have a spent 1000s of dollars in home renovation and a lot of debt. You really think that stuff will matter anyway when we get to the end we look back? Not at all. But I feel what you feel and I get it!! I just try to remind myself of that. I also avoid watching those channels!

  • @grinchy99
    @grinchy99 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Ariel, you are hands down my favorite TH-camr! You're so relatable and down to earth, and you never fail to make us laugh. Thanks for taking us along on your homemaking journey and for sharing all your practical tips. 💚😊

  • @itsacarolbthing5221
    @itsacarolbthing5221 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Oh, the hell of meal planning! 25 years I've been planning on it, and I've never been able to maintain it. For fifteen of those years, there's only been me to plan for!
    Ariel, thank you so much for those s. I've taken notes all the way through (I watched the video twice), because this is so achievable. Thank you so much. Xxx

  • @berrypatch5583
    @berrypatch5583 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love the look at three days...for our large family the entire stock pot usually is two days.
    1. Soups make excellent lunches the next day.
    2. Chili day 1, baked potatoes with chili for lunch the next day.
    3. Tacos day 1, taco soup the next day.
    4. Beans and cornbread, refried bean and cheese wraps the next day.
    5. Baked chicken on day 1, any chicken casserole or pot pie for day two. Chicken could be made in larger batches and frozen as well.
    6. Make a freeze a months worth of beef at a time...and put in freezer baggies. I chopped onions and peppers and made hamburger base for sloppy joes, tacos, chili all at once and it has helped so much.

  • @AWanderingEye
    @AWanderingEye ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Like homemade but at a loss for what all to use it for and find yourself thinking why bother and I have a coupon so I may as well buy store bought?
    I frequently will make a batch of marinara sauce in my crockpot. That day I will use some for spaghetti. I will freeze some. I will keep some in the fridge. Then I can use it as a base for a more spicy marinara or a chili without opening up a can.
    How do I make my sauce? I use a large can of tomato juice, a large can of peeled whole tomatoes and a can of paste. I add water, sliced onions, garlic, powdered white pepper and usually just basil because that is what I prefer. I go light on the salt since it is the base for future meals.
    This sauce can then go either more Italian (think lasagna with additional Italian spices added) or Mexican/Spanish (think of a enchilada sauce or making up a batch of salsa for tacos). If I make a batch of chili with this I then have a base for a chili mac casserole (American goulash) to which I add some small sized noodle and corn topped with cheese. I have even put it in the blender, added some milk and called it tomato soup (heating it up after blending to cook it down to the correct consistency). If this is how you make tomato soup the family will think this is just how it is. Just set a cup along side a grilled cheese and they will dig in if they are hungry. What I am saying is preexisting tastes will need to accommodate homecooked meals since it usually is more nutritious and less processed or salty/fatty.
    I can have sauce whenever I want it and I can buy relatively inexpensive components to make it. It is cheaper to buy these 3 ingredients than to buy a premium sauce in a jar. I try to have kalamara olives on hand to chop and add when I want extra fancy spaghetti sauce as well as dried mushrooms from the Asian store which I reconstitute before adding to any dish.
    When I was younger I routinely bought ready made sauce but now realize that it is a really economical item and tastes better homemade. I can add as little or as much olive oil as I prefer or any other ingredient. If I want cheese in it I can add it or leave it out if I want. It is very forgiving to use sauce this way and I hope you give it a go.
    Usually setting it up in the crockpot means giving a quick stir hourly and cooking on low for 4 hours to get the right consistency. I chop up the whole tomatoes rather than buying them cut up as that retains more of the tomato. I never have moldy leftovers because I freeze at least half and have a plan for the remaining jar in the fridge. You can even use a few of tablespoons to make up French dressing if you are at a loss for that last 1/2 cup in the jar. (use maple syrup and balsamic vinegar with the sauce until you hit the right tangy taste you like).

  • @cb9825
    @cb9825 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    🤣the fire trucks rushing to your kitchen were hilarious!

  • @swampsagacity4685
    @swampsagacity4685 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for the FANTASTIC tips that even habitual meal planners can use.
    I created a 35 block meal planner.
    Days of the week (with plans, appointments, etc) across the top.
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner down the far left column (one block each)
    My fifth bottom row of blocks is a cut away grocery list.
    I labeled each block according to my grocery store layout for maximum efficiency.
    I plan my meals based on
    -Weekly plans
    -Dietary needs
    -Food on hand
    -Weekly Sales
    With my block planner, I can easily & simultaneously create a menu, check what’s on hand, make a shopping list, and utilize leftovers.
    I keep it on the fridge so each day I can plan, thaw, prep, or cook any portions ahead of time.
    I am a visual learner, so another bonuses to the block pattern is that it works better at a glance for me than a list.
    I will be adding the recommended master list of simple/favorite/ leftover meals to my folder!!!

  • @mkatal8329
    @mkatal8329 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love your tip about how trying new meals helps make things easier in the long run! When I still had kids at home, I kept a running list of "successful meal ideas" on the inside of a cupboard. It was always so exciting to add a new meal idea to the list and I had a list to refer to when making a meal plan and grocery list! Successful to us meant no one cried when they heard what was for dinner.

    • @somethingbambi875
      @somethingbambi875 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, I have started a fun challenge this year, every week is a different country. I have already tried so many fun recepies. Now I have the time, but otherwise I could recommend it for at least one day in the weekend, like a national dish for example.
      I for example always loved very spicy food but now that I have tried a lot more simple and "calm" food it is eye opening 🤩

  • @emmaslovelylife
    @emmaslovelylife ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I don’t have kids but I’m obsessed with your channel! I’m definitely going to start putting meal planning in as an appointment. I’m good at planning the actual meals but terrible at remembering to buy the groceries on time 😂

  • @heathersmeather
    @heathersmeather ปีที่แล้ว +7

    It’s always nice to see more ideas on meal planning. I’ve used home made meatballs I had in freezer to add to like sloppy joes when I didn’t have enough hamburger for our family of five. It was a little different but they still ate it. I’ve frozen some leftovers to reheat much later or repurpose. Or I make double the filling and freeze half, like for shepherds pie or pot pie. Or just precook protein for quicker meal prep. I mostly do this when I buy chicken or hamburger in bulk. 😁

  • @amberthistle2803
    @amberthistle2803 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I grew up in a household where my mom never had a plan for anything! We would go to the grocery store multiple times a week just wandering around getting random things to make a meal with. And it drove me nuts even as a kid. I'm 35 and married now and the entire time I've been married (11 years) I've always had a meal plan for the entire week. It saves so much time, energy and money!

  • @Sunshine_6886
    @Sunshine_6886 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is it bad? Or I am old when I find a channel and binge watch every video? Love your videos Ariel! Keep up the great videos and thanks for making cleaning sounds fun! Now to put it to work! Love and blessings from a tired, no energy, no desire to clean, working wife! I am a mom and grandma to but take that time to visit, spoil , and have play dates with my 3 grandbabies.

  • @MsTupton
    @MsTupton ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Some pre-made frozen meals are nice too. If you're making one lasagna (or whatever freezes nicely) just make two and put one in the freezer.

  • @acorn_elf
    @acorn_elf ปีที่แล้ว +15

    You are so dang relatable 🥰 thank you for what you do! Also those maple bacon brussel sprouts 🤤

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ❤️
      And you gotta make them!!!!

  • @JenniferPerryMyScraproom
    @JenniferPerryMyScraproom 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I have been in one heck of a cooking rut so I started subbing to a meal planning site where the recipes are emailed to me along with a weekly grocery list. (It is another well know You Tuber) With those plans I made up 2 binders. One binder is the monthly plans and recipes and the other binder is where we put the recipes that the family loves. I like that I have 4 recipes a week that I do not have to worry about and a few open days that I can mix in family favorites and I am building a new stash of future family favorite meals. I have tried meal planning on my own and boy do I fall off of that wagon fast.

  • @noracarreiro6242
    @noracarreiro6242 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    you provide realistic suggestions , its great you learned this so young and its fantastic you share them :)

  • @kellyl6832
    @kellyl6832 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I started meal planning and meal prepping again. Make life so much easier on busy weeks.
    I’ve also doubled a meal, like soup, and put half in the freezer for another time.

  • @channah144
    @channah144 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My family loves leftovers just as they are! Such a blessing. My method is to cook four large meals at a time because I can do them all simultaneously. However, I pre-screen recipes for their hands-on time. It's less dishes and way less time consuming. Some leftovers like soups/curries are even better the next day! We don't have issues with leftovers going bad because I only cook again when the food is being finished up, usually after 5 days because my husband eats leftovers for breakfast and lunch. Then it's a few simple meals to stretch until the next meal prep time (my husband likes to cook, but is less efficient/experienced, so I put him in charge of these). To keep everyone from getting bored, I generally only repeat a recipe every 4-6 months. Every method has merit if it makes sense for you and your family! I would definitely recommend your method to a lot of people I know (who didn't grow up in families that ate leftovers)! There's too much food waste in the world, so I respect this method!

  • @brendastewart6647
    @brendastewart6647 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for some good ideas! It is easy to get into a rut with cooking. Your daughter is getting so big!!! She’s a cutie.

  • @noracarreiro6242
    @noracarreiro6242 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Your meals look great, Id love it you could provide more recipes...... Dinner time is my weak point

  • @taylorkunisawa7985
    @taylorkunisawa7985 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thank you for this video! I always struggle with the idea of trying to meal plan and this video was super helpful. I never even thought of making a master list of the meals my family likes to eat. So smart!!

  • @gohawks3571
    @gohawks3571 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'll eat your chicken mango curry! And pumpkin chili!!!! You literally made me hungry🤣 One thing I have been able to do is meal planning. I feel like my entire life is just focused on food, and everything else is a mess😶🤦‍♀️ Well, I'm trying😁

  • @acl8857
    @acl8857 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Ariel, thank you for another easy to follow video! You are the hero we didn’t know we needed and we don’t deserve! 😍😍

  • @nanasjourney2022
    @nanasjourney2022 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the best meal plan I have seen. I’ve left days for leftovers on my meal plans before, but we just ate them as leftovers. I’ve learned that my husband and I don’t really care for leftovers and they would go uneaten. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this myself. It’s so simple it’s beautiful. Thank you!

    • @charmaccents6278
      @charmaccents6278 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I don't care for leftovers either, unless it is mashed potatoes with gravy. I have thrown out so much food...

  • @kathy3178
    @kathy3178 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I usually cook just enough so my husband will have lunch the next day. We can a lot of food. It is pretty much already prepared and on the shelf. That has been a huge help for us, still food gets overlooked. . I will definitely be putting together a favorite meals list using your template. Thanks for sharing! Also, Pumpkin chilli is one of our favorite meals.

  • @amyrugg2540
    @amyrugg2540 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great ideas I will try this out! I had a list already where I have about 30 meals. I picked 10 or so..I may have added a bit more, my husband picked 10 and my son picked 10. I got tired of not eating what I wanted and my son always complaining so I made them do it and I just wrote it down for them. Although I may have to change few meals seasonally.

  • @AshleyRJones8
    @AshleyRJones8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been meal planning since July 2022...it has made a huge difference in my life! Significantly less food waste and mental energy being used each night!

  • @colorlessoz
    @colorlessoz ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Yes!! I have recently been like " ok we need to get back into trying a new food. " And we had one last Wednesday and we LOVED IT!! So that meal is going into our core meal list.
    And I have found meal planning a lot easier when I just start trying to plan for the month. Go grocery shopping once and run to the mini store near me for the fresh veggies for the week.

  • @ap3008
    @ap3008 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've tried meal planning..it takes me hours to plan the meals for the week and I get bored of them. That's why I started planning only for 2 days at a time...the mall is at 10 minutes walk from me...If it was further, I'd probably meal plan for the whole week. Plus, I don't have children...yet (it's not like I don't want them...okay? my body is stubborn) But all these are awesome ideas. Edit: never mind...this information is brilliant.

  • @DebM122
    @DebM122 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Never meal planned but looking forward to trying. Thanks for helpful tips.

  • @KasSommers
    @KasSommers 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    When there were five of us living at home, I would plan. I wrote a long list of meals. I think I had about 30. Then each week I would pick from the list one takeaway meal, one potato, one pasta, one rice, one tortilla, etc, then add (back when I ate meat) one beef, one chicken, one lamb, one vegetarian, and so on.

  • @barbann9708
    @barbann9708 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good to see you again.

  • @countrybumpkin9896
    @countrybumpkin9896 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are the actual most endearing person on the internet. Well done.

  • @cheykath
    @cheykath ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love your categories for dividing up your meals! I loosely follow the Food Nanny theme nights for meals and it has really helped. Eating home cooked meals is so much healthier and more economical than grabbing fast food or a microwave meal (although they have their place sometimes). LOL'd at "meal planning pro Ariel." Your editing skills are on point!

  • @theresaanndiaz3179
    @theresaanndiaz3179 ปีที่แล้ว

    I need to keep track of new recipes that we like. I have the time and like to cook but I'm not organized about remembering what worked. My husband is oblivious so he is no help, but he is willing to try anything.
    When my 3 kids were at home and I was a working single mom, I was great at producing meals. If I forgot to thaw, it was stirfry because you can slice semi-thawed meat very thin. If I made lasagna, I made one for the freezer.
    Friday was buffet night, ie, eat the leftovers. Bag o' lettuce ( or coleslaw mix) was my friend, I would give them salad to eat while I cooked, it served 2 purposes, it got salad into them and then they were no longer starving.
    Now that I'm remarried and retired, it's actually harder. I'm going to give meal planning a try.

  • @Abeautifulmundanelife
    @Abeautifulmundanelife ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is great practical advice! I like this idea to plan ahead how to use leftovers in other meals so you can save time & money. Thanks ☺️

  • @birdsongvalley
    @birdsongvalley ปีที่แล้ว

    I must meal plan! I always waste money/ ingredients if I dont plan it out. I like to keep 2 weeks planned ahead. Planning on how to use leftovers is an awesome idea. I usually just freeze them and take them out for lunches on the weekend but that sux because it takes up so much room in my freezer. Thanks for the tips!

  • @juliebruce1114
    @juliebruce1114 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is so good! After struggling for years meal planning I basically did the same thing. I only plan 3 meals at a time and always make something new out of my leftovers. I look for leftover recipes that I may not have to buy any extra ingredients for. We also eat vegetarian meals a couple times a week, so that vegetarian meal will be the side for the next meal with meat. Only planning three meals also allows for those nights when someone asks you if you want to go out or if you just want to go out to have something different.

  • @CardsbyMaaike
    @CardsbyMaaike ปีที่แล้ว

    i make what what's left in the fridge (or needs to be used up) soup once a week, infact making beans soup, used up old celery, potatoes and carrots, and 5 or 6 six canes or beans, chickpeas and lentils and some ribs instead of uncooked meat, smokes sausage later and bam soup for a week for sure...that's a big pot, but I don't mind freezing it later.what I do for meal planning is looking what is on special offer at the super and see if I have any of the things, then plan meals with them

  • @patmulh4245
    @patmulh4245 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is one of the best videos on mean planning that I have seen. You are so funny, and easy to watch!!!

  • @bigmama5240
    @bigmama5240 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I LOVE your videos and I look forward to them. Mom of 4 here and seriously…..you make my day. Keep up the great work! You help me so much!

  • @argeliaanchondo9907
    @argeliaanchondo9907 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your videos I wish I can see more videos yours ,you got a talent love your personality. Thank you for the videos

  • @wendyduncan9084
    @wendyduncan9084 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve missed you so much! That color shirt looks stunning on you😍 It makes your eyes soooo blue. Plus, it matched your fluffy nose💚 I love the printables. Thank you so much. I don’t think I can do 3 meals from one batch but I love the idea of just choosing 3 meals instead of 7. We recently stayed with a family who has one planned meal a day and grazes the rest of the time. So we are doing 2 planned meals a day and adding intentional snack things that are quick and easy. One sweet, one salty, one savory per week. Honestly we will probably end up with 2 options for each but I didn’t want to stress myself. I completely agree with the clean pantry and fridge/freezer. No one likes being overwhelmed or throwing money away.

    • @wendyduncan9084
      @wendyduncan9084 ปีที่แล้ว

      You were right doing meals for 2 nights instead of one has been a sanity saver!!! Thank you💚💚💚💚

  • @cynthiapridham2885
    @cynthiapridham2885 ปีที่แล้ว

    i love the pressure cooker and airfryer. i used to use the slow cooker but got lazy. one pan/tray cooking seems popular too.
    i have one son who is extremely difficult to cook for no variety.. other son easier. those bags of frozen stirfry veg are handy in a pinch with chicken and coconut cream. we love spagetti and i use the presdure cooker but sometimes the emergency can of sauce comes out. i make leftovers for sons lunch.

  • @shanerobins1428
    @shanerobins1428 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just fyi: “Sam the cooking guy” has a book called Sam the cooking guy recipes with intentional leftovers”. He’s on TH-cam too. The book shows you how to make something and then gives you about 5 follow up recipes with what to do with the leftovers. Very handy.

  • @LongRideHome29
    @LongRideHome29 ปีที่แล้ว

    great ideas! I utilize pinterest for meal planning-I organize pins by different boards- vegetarian meals, beef meals, chicken meals, soups, crock pot meals, side dishes, lunch ideas, breakfast ideas. This helps me to find what I'm in the mood for. When I get a new cookbook I also take pictures of recipes I want to make and upload pictures as a pin to the board it corresponds to.

  • @teisharichins1195
    @teisharichins1195 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great tips! Another thing that has helped me to come up with meals for is to keep a running list of meals we eat, like as we are eating them. This way if I try a new meal it doesn’t get forgotten months down the line. In my family we have a lot of allergies so getting creative is essential so keeping track of meal ideas is also very helpful.

  • @amandasmith4705
    @amandasmith4705 ปีที่แล้ว

    Something I found that helps with leftovers is how they are put away. We started packing them in individual serving size containers. We were more likely to eat it if we only had to get out one container rather than several. Also they can be taken to work or school for lunch.

  • @reneesakos5661
    @reneesakos5661 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes!!! I also try to use up leftovers in a different meal so it doesn't sit in the fridge and get thrown away. Sometimes I also freeze half of what I cook and have it in two weeks. (Most commonly when I make tomato sauce and meatballs / taco meat)

  • @philhagls4276
    @philhagls4276 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your videos! I have a set category of each food per day. For example, Monday chicken, Tuesday legumes and so on. Then I plan a recipe for these days based on the main ingredient.

  • @vforv9402
    @vforv9402 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow! Finally someone that gives me a tip about this topic that actually helps- like a lot!!!!!!!!!!!
    Love you for this❤️

  • @dicesof8
    @dicesof8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great to see you back. I enjoy seeing you bc you remind me of home. Speaking of which, Salt potatoes 🤤 I miss those. I tried to make them when I moved to GA and they just weren’t the same!

  • @ulandibrewer6081
    @ulandibrewer6081 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are amazing and SO encouraging! Thank you 😊👍💗

  • @TheNorafee
    @TheNorafee ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So glad you are back...I am lost with the meal planning. Can you give us some more examples of leftover menus? My man hate them and ignore them in the fridge until they come back to life and ran away by themselves... I love to do freezer meals but on Thursday my plan get lost ,,,

  • @chiarabagnariol3938
    @chiarabagnariol3938 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Ariel! Great video great ideas, I will surely give it a try! Can't wait for your next video. You make us feel as you are one of us. Thank you for sharing and have a nice day

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว

      That's because I am one of you!! Thank you ❤️❤️

  • @godrickgryffindor352
    @godrickgryffindor352 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are back :)
    Thanks for including recipes in the description box :)
    Thanks for the reminder to sort/tidy my pantry. I did exactly that the other week bought another can of something I didn't need as a already had a can of what I needed.

  • @deborahdyer265
    @deborahdyer265 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks again for showing how the real population really does things! Love your videos

  • @alMojodog
    @alMojodog 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you so much for this video. I had no idea where to start for when is came to meal planning. It never came to me to make a list of what we eat now. I also love the idea of making something different with the leftovers.

  • @RaeInTime
    @RaeInTime ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great idea to try something new twice a month 👍🎉

  • @wanderingchook1193
    @wanderingchook1193 ปีที่แล้ว

    You've inpired me to finally tackle meal planning. I am so tired of struggling to think of what to cook and running out to the supermarket ( or rushing around between finishing my job at the supermarket and picking up my toddler from daycare) and spending at least $50 each time somehow.
    Thank you so much for the printables!

  • @RebuildingRosie
    @RebuildingRosie ปีที่แล้ว

    So happy to see you! I am sitting down to meal plan, opened TH-cam and found your video. A match made in heaven.

  • @auroraasleep
    @auroraasleep ปีที่แล้ว

    This was awesome, thank you! I'm so glad to see someone doing real food that an actual human with a real life can manage.

  • @elisabethpatterson9417
    @elisabethpatterson9417 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video! Thanks for this reminder to try new things!! I definitely need to expand our meals, especially with a picky eater. Saving this video! xoxo

  • @memyself4627
    @memyself4627 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Very grounded and practical advice! I think I can actually do this 🙏🏻🤩

  • @MartinEngelbrecht-ey3rl
    @MartinEngelbrecht-ey3rl 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I like the three meal variation! Basically cooking twice to three times a week.

  • @10acrefarm5
    @10acrefarm5 ปีที่แล้ว

    So glad to see you back!

  • @lynleighholmes204
    @lynleighholmes204 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you SO MUCH for this video! I could not figure out how to meal plan myself. I had all these pins on Pinterest and it was completely overwhelming. You have saved me! In one hour I had 22 meals planned. Thank you! ❤❤❤❤

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yay!! You're so welcome!! 😁

    • @lynleighholmes204
      @lynleighholmes204 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ThatAwkwardMom You are awesome. You have two babies, you’re able to keep a clean house, and you take the time to reply to your fan base. You’re just awesome.
      Also, thank you for the video you did a long time ago about the stoplight and getting your toddler to stay in bed, in the morning, I totally bought one. I love it, even though she ignores it and gets in bed with me.❤️
      Actually, my kids are still sleeping in my bed, but I’m really hoping that changes soon. Any advice on that? If not that’s ok.
      Thank you!

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lynleighholmes204 You should start by telling them ahead of time that they are big girls and big boys and it's time to start sleeping in their own room. Give them a timeline, like this will start in 3 more days and countdown each day to prepare them. Then get a visual countdown timer that doesn't make any sound, (the ones the use in school classrooms). Put it in their beds and set the timer for 2 minutes, and say I will check on you when the timers up. Come back and check on them after the two minutes, then set the timer for 3 minutes and tell them I will check on you when the timers up. Continue doing this increasing the time little by little until it gets to 20 minutes, even 40 minutes. They typically fall asleep waiting for you. Then eventually you can take away the timer completely and just tell them you'll check on them without it. Also if they come in your bed at night, bring them back to their bed and tell them once again that you will check on them and set the timer again starting at the lowest time. This worked well for us! Hope it works for you. Good luck!!

    • @lynleighholmes204
      @lynleighholmes204 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ThatAwkwardMom OMG, thank you! I will definitely be trying this. Thank you for what you’re doing, it takes a village and all of us Mom’s appreciate your support. If you ever need support, or someone to just tell you how awesome you are please think of me. ❤️

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lynleighholmes204 thank you for your kind words ❤️🥰 Please update me on how it goes!!!

  • @elenadagis215
    @elenadagis215 ปีที่แล้ว

    You're one of my favourite youtubers. I love your sense of humour! Thanks for making the effort to entertain us all; keep on being you. :)

  • @stephaniethompson3356
    @stephaniethompson3356 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been meal planning for years and this is a very clever system! Love it!

  • @ImLunaShesZeta
    @ImLunaShesZeta ปีที่แล้ว

    This is pretty close to how I meal plan. Typically, we use the leftovers for a day or two later after we bulk cook food. Also, my husband and I take turns making dinner, so that really helps with dinner burden.
    I can tell if it was a good meal when my husband takes it to work as his lunches.

  • @JJ-xk8sf
    @JJ-xk8sf ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for making your videos 💐.

  • @sharon_irishgirl
    @sharon_irishgirl ปีที่แล้ว

    I am meal planning with a long time now it’s such a time saver

  • @jzylew
    @jzylew ปีที่แล้ว

    Dang. Just started the video and I'm attacked🤣🤣🤣🤣♥️ Okay, okay, I'll watch the rest and get my meal plans handled💪🏿

  • @HeronCoyote1234
    @HeronCoyote1234 ปีที่แล้ว

    My best friend is FINALLY ready to start meal planning. (I’ve only mentioned the concept to him at least a gazillion times over the past two years.) I’m going to show him your video, and your other related ones.

  • @sabrinasugar2819
    @sabrinasugar2819 ปีที่แล้ว

    This popped in my feed at just the right time. I’ve been feeling frustrated with meal planning and was just thinking I need to make a list. Thank you!

  • @jeanarino732
    @jeanarino732 ปีที่แล้ว

    I do my meal planning and cooking exactly like you do! It does make everything easier and has becomes such a habit that I do it naturally now. There are times when I don't feel like eating what is on the menu that night but yeah I make it anyway lol

  • @sarahrussell5940
    @sarahrussell5940 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the absolute BEST video I’ve seen on meal planning in forever! It’s so easy to follow! Thank you so much! ❤😃

  • @mrsi82
    @mrsi82 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love this -I do something similar but good idea to break it down to type of meals.

  • @socks3496
    @socks3496 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your posts- it's genuinely like listening to a friend! 🤗🤗

  • @ccbarr58
    @ccbarr58 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Meal planned last week. Had no leftovers ,for once!

  • @stacievoorhis5160
    @stacievoorhis5160 ปีที่แล้ว

    Happy to see you again! I love your humor and down-to-earth ways. Thanks for the good info on meal planning. Because of our work schedules i usually cook two full meals at the beginning of each week and plan our meals to include leftovers. Lots of work that first day but a breeze the other days. Take care.

  • @hippityhop99
    @hippityhop99 ปีที่แล้ว

    love your videos and the cheeky funny parts. this is super helpful as I am trying to streamline my cooking process so I can cook more! I love the tip about always try new things to find new faves - really important and keep the process fresh.

  • @geritesta2166
    @geritesta2166 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your videos!! Remember, the freezer is your friend.

  • @maryclarke9894
    @maryclarke9894 ปีที่แล้ว

    So happy to see a video from you! I have been trying and using some of your tips, such as using the same ingredients for 2 or 3 meals. And you are right, making twice or three times as much rice doesn't take any longer -- and you only have to wash the pan once! Thank you for the encouragement and the humor -- loved the fire trucks rushing to your house. LOL. Hopefully this will give me the motivation I need to keep trying. You look great, btw!

  • @emmamele7683
    @emmamele7683 ปีที่แล้ว

    I meal plan and sometimes I hate it lol. These tips are so helpful! Love you!!

  • @melaniegraham1413
    @melaniegraham1413 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is life changing! 🤯

  • @rachelwawsczyk7077
    @rachelwawsczyk7077 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just gotta tell you that I enjoy you!! You are so funny, relatable, and comfortable to watch!

    • @ThatAwkwardMom
      @ThatAwkwardMom  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for your kind words ❤️❤️

  • @maryparsons2516
    @maryparsons2516 ปีที่แล้ว

    So happy you're back!!

  • @happycamper4045
    @happycamper4045 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the best meal planning idea I have seen!! Thank you!!

  • @MommyBee1589
    @MommyBee1589 ปีที่แล้ว

    I laughed repeatedly throughout this video!! 😂😂😂 you’re very funny and enjoyable to watch. Keep making videos because us mamas love them 😂❤

  • @ed-ediehopper9863
    @ed-ediehopper9863 ปีที่แล้ว

    What an excellent idea to include a leftovers plan in your meal planning! I will definitely be implementing this.