Simplify - Weekly Meal Planning
We're diving into a new series, "Simplify Your Life." Let's explore ideas and inspirations over the coming months, aiming to encourage a simplified lifestyle in your home. Our usual blog uploads happen every Sunday, but for this special series, we're adding Thursdays to the mix. Stay tuned!
The idea of simplification, once a buzzword, continues to echo in today's world. Numerous individuals yearn to break free from the hectic pace of life, seeking a way to slow down, yet often uncertain about how to achieve it.
There are various avenues for simplification, including Simplify coaches, Minimal Wardrobe capsule wardrobe hacks, and the Tiny House Movement, where living in smaller, more efficient homes reduces environmental impact and simplifies life. Other practices include Digital Detox, disconnecting from electronic devices and social media for a healthier relationship with technology, and decluttering methods like the KonMari Method, emphasizing keeping items that "spark joy."
Sustainable Living involves reducing waste and making mindful purchases. Mindfulness practices, such as being present and appreciating the current moment, contribute to a simpler life. There are also Simple Living Blogs and Communities where individuals share experiences and tips.
Practices like single-tasking, prioritizing one task at a time, and embracing slow living by savoring moments are integral to simplification. Unplugged vacations, taking breaks from technology to engage fully with the present moment, further contribute to a simplified lifestyle.
The market has opened up with various resources, from books to mentoring and retreats, all aimed at simplifying our lives. I want to focus on a step-by-step approach to sustainably simplify family life. It's about doing what you can in the current season, recognizing that your journey might look different from others, but every small step counts.
You can take your step today. Absolutely, it's crucial to find that balance between embracing your unique journey and being open to challenges that foster growth and courage. The path to simplicity often involves both self-discovery and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.
Begin with a moment of self-reflection: Are you inclined towards structure and organization, or do you find comfort in a more unstructured approach? Capture your thoughts in your journal as we embark on this journey together.
Now, let's carry on with a pause – prepare your favorite coffee or tea, wrap yourself in the coziness of covers, especially if there's a brisk chill around. Consider adding the warm glow of a candle to create an inviting atmosphere. I'm aware you might have initially intended to simply read the blog, but we're not here just to accumulate more information. Our purpose is transformation, a journey taken one step at a time. It's not about rushing through content; it's about experiencing the process. Our vision and passion lie in guiding you through mindful steps, bridging the gap between knowledge and real-life application. Often, our stumbling block is neglecting this deliberate, reflective space in between. So, entrust me, let's embark on this journey with a fresh perspective and ask Holy Spirit. If you lean towards structure, inquire about the specific teachings or words He wants to emphasize. What nuances does He want you to notice or focus on?
Conversely, if you tend to be less structured, ask Him about the messages He is conveying to you. Where does He aim to capture your attention? What images, words, or sentences is He highlighting for this particular season in your life?
Embrace the simplicity journey by allowing Him to lead, resisting the urge to rush past and absorb everything. Take a moment to pause, listen to His whisper, and let it resonate. If your current capacity doesn't allow for this now, consider revisiting later when you can truly absorb the message. Make it a priority; schedule a dedicated 30-minute meeting in your agenda or calendar to delve into this personal process.
Today, let's dive into the realm of weekly meal planning. I embraced this practice years ago, finding it incredibly time-saving, cost-effective, and stress-free. However, despite knowing these benefits well, it took me more than a year to reintegrate it into my routine. Why? Laziness, perhaps. Sometimes, we're a bit sluggish in trying out new things or, if we attempt, we don't stick with them. The key, I've learned, lies in preparation when starting something new.
Embracing the concept, I thought I had a pretty solid foundation in structure, a natural inclination having grown up in Switzerland. However, the revelation hit me when I became a mom. Suddenly, I found myself navigating the intricacies of structuring my entire day without external guidance. There was no one to dictate when to do what or set deadlines for tasks, and the responsibility felt overwhelming.
On my list were numerous responsibilities, like you would have, including grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, ironing, caring for my baby, connecting with my husband, and making time for friends and family. However, the challenge lay in determining when to tackle each task, estimating the time required, and planning my schedule accordingly. It was a realm where I found myself overwhelmed and unsure.
For several months, and perhaps even years, I embraced a more unstructured approach, finding moments where I enjoyed the flexibility. However, I soon realized that this method left me feeling unsatisfied. While I managed to complete tasks eventually, it often felt like I was a step behind. This led to increased stress and a noticeable lack of peace in my daily life.
How do you feel?
Something needed to change.
For me I know everything needs to start visually, I am super visual and I love it to be beautiful. So, not everything would work.
For a visually appealing and family-inclusive approach, I painted the upper cabinets in my kitchen with chalkboard paint, creating a beautiful weekly meal plan visible to all. This way, escape was no longer an option, and my family could anticipate what awaited their taste buds. Particularly for my men, food holds paramount importance. The first thing I hear after school/work is, "What's for dinner?" A mismatch with their culinary expectations could lead to substantial disappointment, especially for my son.
Aware of the significance of meals for boys, often referred to as their sixth love language, I realized the importance of managing their expectations. Ensuring the menu is visible became a strategic decision. It involves alerting our son ahead of time if a particular meal isn't his favorite, granting him the opportunity to prepare for it. Through this, I've come to recognize the importance of managing his expectations in the realm of family meals.
If you don't have the freedom to make structural changes in your living space, consider purchasing a wooden board from a DIY store, painting it with chalk paint, and placing it somewhere visible. Alternatively, you can opt for a weekly paper planner (which is my current method) or explore digital alternatives. We've even created a few for your convenience and style, attached at the end of this blog.
Next, I invested time in listing all the dishes I knew and explored new ones online, creating an extensive repertoire. This list became my go-to during moments of inspiration loss. It's not necessary to have an extensive list; if you're more of a routine cook, jot down 5-7 dishes that you can rotate.
We also have traditions—Taco Tuesdays, Sunday dinners cooked by my husband, homemade pizza every last Friday of the month, leftovers night, cold dinners, and soup Saturdays. You can tailor your meal plan to fit your family's preferences and traditions.
Here's a simplified approach: create your weekly menu. Personally, I find a cozy Sunday afternoon the perfect time to sit down and plan for the next two weeks. While I've discovered that a two-week plan further streamlines my life, if you're just starting, I recommend beginning with a one-week plan. This process is something I genuinely enjoy. As a food enthusiast, I revel in exploring new recipes on beautifully curated websites and scrolling through enticing pictures. However, if cooking isn't your passion, consider the joy children find in the simplicity of a routine. Do what you can in the season you are in. Avoid comparisons, and instead, ask yourself, "What can I do today?
While writing out the menu, simultaneously note down the required ingredients, and schedule a weekly shopping day. I usually go shopping on the following Monday and get all the ingredients I can. You might have an order placed at your supermarket for convenience.
My children come running after I make the list to see what awaits them. I make sure, though, that I include meals that are always healthy but also meals they love, seasoned with some new ones in between, for my joy and their taste palettes, which adds significant value to our family.
Did you know the number of times it takes to develop a liking for a new taste can vary widely from person to person? However, some research suggests that it often takes multiple exposures to a new food for an individual to acquire a taste for it. The exact number can range, but it's commonly cited that it may take around 10 to 15 exposures. So do not discard something just because your child doesn’t like it. What a beautiful gift you give them for the future, having the courage to try new foods and being accustomed to different tastes.
Back to the list writing: this routine saves time, and money, and minimizes stress. Convinced? I am sure one of those words did it for you. Give it a try for a couple of weeks. We usually don’t give it enough time to invite a new routine, so take 4 weeks and journal how you are feeling about it.
If you find it too rigid, feel free to shuffle the weekly plan—bring in freedom by rearranging the days. Just ensure your family is aware of the change because, If your family is anything like mine, they've committed their favorite days to memory, and any unexpected changes would leave them disappointed. It's essential to communicate any alterations beforehand to avoid letdowns and meltdowns.
Take the word that Holy Spirit has spoken to you and allow it to be a source of encouragement every step of the way. Most importantly, if you forget, get overwhelmed, or feel like you've failed, don't abandon the effort entirely. Remember, we are committing to four weeks. Pick it up where you left off. Building a new routine doesn't happen automatically for anyone.
I trust this has been an encouraging read for you, just as it has transformed my approach to cooking. This simple step is a sustainable move you can make to simplify your life starting today.
Perhaps you know someone who could benefit from a little support. Feel free to share this blog post with her.
YOU CAN DO IT!