Meal Planning in the time of COVID-19

by Kristen Horler, MS

As a busy mom, wife, and franchisor, meal planning is often the last thing on my mind at the end of a busy day. And now, with COVID-19 quarantines, our trips to the grocery store are few and far between. This means we must be even more strategic when grocery shopping since it is not as easy to run out to the store to pick up that last ingredient.  

I am not a Pinterest mom, except when it comes to meal planning. I find it helpful to use the search function on Pinterest to locate recipes for that one thing in my fridge that I’m hoping I can turn into a meal that the whole family will eat (e.g. cauliflower). I also like the fact that I can save (or ‘pin’) recipes that I’d like to add to the menu another week (or month).  

Now that my children are in high school, I try to get them involved in the process by asking them to pick a meal that they would like each week. It’s even better if I can get them to help with a little food prep like chopping veggies or prepping a salad. I ask my husband to help with two meals each week to help support the process and we order in once a week. This means I’m figuring out on average two to three meals each week. 

Sometimes my work life bleeds into my home life. I have even been known to create spreadsheets for weekly meal planning so that I can use what’s in my cupboards and ensure that my grocery list is complete. Planning, especially now that outings are limited is the key to providing healthy meals at home. There are also apps you can use to create grocery lists for you as you choose meals. These can come in quite handy! 

Ultimately, if you’re working full time and you have a family, it is essential to ask for help. If not, dinner may end up being as bland as cereal or as unhealthy as fast food. Keep it simple and remember to eat your veggies. 

1. Make a list of meals for a week (or two during the pandemic). 

1. Make a list of groceries for your planned meals. 

1. Order online for pick up delivery. 

1. Mark ingredients for meals so that they don’t get stolen for snacks or lunches. 

1. Post a list on the refrigerator of each meal for the week and who is making it.

Kristen Horler is a recovering overachiever who is learning to let more stuff go that is not aligned with her values, priorities, and goals. As a former pastry chef turned fitness professionals, Kristen created Baby Boot Camp shortly after her first child was born in August 2001. Eighteen years later, Kristen rebranded the company to MOMLETA. The new brand represents the company’s mission of inspiring moms of all ages and stages through fitness, nutrition, community, and business. Kristen is passionate about food, fitness, and inspiring wellness. She enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and traveling. Visit www.momleta.com to learn more.