FREE Weekly Meal Planning Printables with grocery list!
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I married a picky eater. Every person on Earth who’s significant other is a picky eater knows my pain. Of course, I knew this before I married him, and I mean, it wasn’t necessarily a deal breaker- maybe I should have thought twice about that one. So, I guess I shouldn’t complain? WRONG. It’s my meal plan and I fuss if I want to. Tell a foodie she can’t eat her foods and you may just get smacked.
I cook A LOT around here. I enjoy cooking, we enjoy eating homemade meals, and it saves a ton of money. But when you throw a picky eater and a healthy eater together, it’s like giving a group of toddlers one toy. Completely.Chaotic.
So how do you fix the problem? You cook separate meals. But then separate meals means more cleaning and more storage. More work, right? No, you’re wrong.I’m finally cracking the code of cooking separate meals and not adding so much more ‘work’ to my plate. Not only are we cooking separate meals, but we’re storing separate meals. Which means we are planning separate meals too.
My husband is the worst eater ever. Not only is he picky, but sometimes he says he ‘doesn’t feel like eating’. *insert eye roll* Like, who in the heck does that? I mean, if I just didn’t feel like eating, I wouldn’t need to be cutting carbs and eating healthy. Anyways, he’ll say something crazy like that, and then eat 2 packs of snack cakes. And he still looks like a French Cut String Bean. Because of that, he isn’t interested at all in changing those habits.
Me on the other hand, I’ve cut out rice, potatoes, sweets, breads, heavy creams, sodas, chips, and so much more. But it helps that I really love veggies and stuff too. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I really thought it was gonna be hard to change my eating habits. But it hasn’t been. I think the majority of my success can be attributed to the fact that I’ve found alternatives to some of my favorite foods. Want salty chips? Homemade popcorn in coconut oil. Want chocolate? Homemade fruit and nut bars. Potatoes? Just do sweet potatoes. Easy-to-the-peasy.
Cooking Tip: I’ve learned to cut the multi-meal load in half by using my slow cooker, oven, or pressure cooker too for one complete meal. That way, I can turn one on and leave it while I tend the other. It’s even better when both of my recipes can be done in auto cookers. I hope those inventors are bazillionaires, they totally deserve it.
I only cook about 3-4 times a week. Usually, it’s Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, eating leftovers in between and then fend for yourself by the weekend. Find something in the fridge or whip up something yourself because mama is completely out of commission.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container, 14-Piece Set, 100% Leak-Proof, Plastic, ClearRubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container, 10-Piece Sandwich/Snack Lunch Kit, 100% Leak-Proof, Plastic, Clear
Rubbermaid Brilliance Microwavable Food Storage Container Set, 18-Piece
Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Airtight Food Storage Container, BPA-Free Plastic, 16 Cup
MEAL PLANNING PRINTABLE CALENDAR
Storage
I’ll have to admit, at one point I considered going all glass. Not only would this decision have been more expensive, but when the Mr. left his lunch bowl at work and it came up as ‘missing’ the next day I’d be a lot more upset. But I really was tired of my plastics looking dingy from stains and constant washing. And then the leaks, don’t get me started. But then, Rubbermaid® BRILLIANCE™. Not only has Rubbermaid® made a product that is stain resistant, clear, and amazingly easy to stack, but it’s 100% leak-proof, guaranteed. BPA free, and so easy to microwave with those amazing vented sides. #winning.
I love that I can store lunch sized portions in these Rubbermaid® BRILLIANCE™food containers and not have to worry about them spilling. Then the next day, just pop them in the microwave and I don’t have to worry about splatter either.
Great tips! I normally plan for the week, but I have to say, anything in containers gets pushed around and forgotten in our fridge. These containers and some organization would definitely help that! (client)
I’ll have to admit, it’s still new to me (planning). But it does help to not have those forgotten leftovers laying around! I hate waste!
You have such a great attitude about your husband’s picky eating. I love it! I have a bunch of clear containers for my fridge too. It helps so much to prep meals and not waste.
After 7 years of marriage, it’s definitely grown on me. Or I’ve gotten used to it. haha. I hate it, but what can I do?!