Want Easy Meal Prep? Start with a Plan!

     I get it.  The idea of prepping a delicious meal is already daunting, but to succeed at taste, nutrition, and appearance (let’s face it, appetizing factor counts!), in a short amount of time, on a budget? That concept blows many people’s minds.  My mind included.  I once envied friends who thrived in the kitchen, wondering what skill they possessed that I lacked.

Then I became my parent’s full-time caregiver, full-time, meaning 24\7.  Mom had always cared for Dad in the kitchen, leaving him completely dependent on me when she became too sick.  I suddenly had no choice, I had to figure out how to use my kitchen effectively and efficiently.  I held out hope that learning to like it would come later.  It did.

With no time, little budget, and no idea what I was doing, I set out to accomplish the goal of turning a small, dysfunctional kitchen with no appeal into an inviting work area where I could prepare enticing, healthy, tasty meals in the little time I had after all my other duties were handled.  Wow! Just reading that in a sentence is exhausting!

So I did what I always do when I undertake a project; I created a plan.  Without a plan I would have waffled around, thereby failing miserably.  And if you want to conquer your kitchen, feed your family better, and find more time for what you would rather be doing, you need a plan, as well.  Don’t panic!  I am making it incredibly easy for you every step of the way.
Below is a basic outline of my Conquer My Kitchen plan.  Creating and following this plan took me from overwhelmed amateur to being the Queen Who Conquered Her Kitchen! Now, after time and experience, I now own the (self-given) title of Meal Prep Queen!  

I will address each category separately in future articles, but here is what you can look forward to if you are going on this kitchen adventure me:

Assess the full situation including

1. Time
2. Budget (yes, you can do this on a shoe string. I did, every step of the way.
3. Desire. ( If you don't own the desire, no amount of planning will change that). 

Organize

• Your mind
• Pantry
• Refrigerator/Freezer
• Spices & Seasonings
• Pots, pans, cooking utensils, etc.
• Dishes

Implement

• ·        Labeling

• ·        Categorizing

• ·        Accessibility

• ·        Functionality

     This may seem like a lot of work, but it really isn’t, and it is well worth the time invested. You will gain back that time and more when you discover how efficient your kitchen now is. Meal prep will be a breeze. The hubby (or wife) will appreciate your efforts, as well as your excellent meals, and your kids will enjoy both the meals and the extra time they get to spend with you!  It's a win-win!

Blessings,
  ~~heather k.