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4 Powerful Reasons Why You Need a Weekly Meal Plan
Picture this: today - just like yesterday - you leave work in frenzied hurry. You rush (if you can call it that, since traffic is horrible) to a crowded store filled with junk food and overpriced temptations. You intend to get only tonight's supper ingredients, but you wander aimlessly and waste time. Finally, you approach the line with a full shopping cart, and you wait. The checkout line you chose is the slowest one in the whole store ... again! You think to yourself: "Am I ever going to get home?" When you do finally get home, you still have to cook dinner!
Does this frustrating situation sound like the one that plays out every day in your home? If so, you are only one small change away from the peace and relief you crave. If you are willing - today - to invest a few minutes into making a weekly meal plan for you and your family, you will be rewarded in 4 very powerful ways.
1. A Healthier family.
When no weekly meal plan is in place, you and your family will eat junk because it's quick and it appears to be the only option. You will either buy more junk food (because you're in the store every day) or you will eat fast food. A weekly meal plan allows you to make food choices that better serve to fuel your body and meet your family's nutritional needs. By making healthier choices, you are giving your family one of the greatest gifts possible - the well-being that no quick-fix drive through meal can provide.
2. Less stress.
A weekly meal plan means you're going to go the grocery store once a week. That means you only stand in line once, and you only deal with the hassle of shopping once. You free yourself up to have more time with your family after work and less time doing more work. Your plan also allows you to cook less, because you can cook enough at almost every meal to have leftovers for the next day. Since you'll be eating healthier, you'll feel more energetic, less cranky, and not as rushed.
3. Save money.
By doing your meal plan with the grocery store sale ads that come in your local newspaper or mail, you're equipping yourself to take advantage of the best sales. When you stock up on meat while it is on sale, you'll be prepared to cook any meal in your repertoire while saving money for the more important things in your life. You'll also save on gas by only going to the store once per week. You'll even save on doctors' visits because you're eating healthier!
4. Save time.
Who wants to work 40 (or more) hours a week, only to come home to a never-ending workload? In addition to spending less of your time at the grocery store, your weekly meal plan helps you to you save time during the evenings. In addition, you can cook enough food for your family to have leftovers. You spend less time washing dishes and cooking. You can provide your family with a delicious, hot meal (prepared the day before) and enjoy the freedom of time for yourself and for your family.
Have I convinced you that it's worth it to invest the time in a weekly meal plan for yourself and your family? If so, grab the sales ads, a pad and a pen. Plan your meals for the next week. What do you have to lose? Unless you put this idea into practice, you will continue feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Instead, begin to enjoy a less stressful and more enjoyable life by filling out a weekly meal plan for you and your family today.
Parenting Lessons: What I've Learned From Life's Best Classroom
What is the most profound experience you've ever had? What has it taught you? My most profound experience began 21 months ago, when my wife and I were blessed to hold our tiny baby boy in our arms for the first time. No classroom could compare to the classroom I entered on that day. While I've always considered myself a lifelong learner, I am learning more now, as a new parent, than I ever could have imagined.
I am learning that people are much better at parenting other people's kids than they are at parenting their own. I was a parenting expert once, and then I had my own child. While I readily admit that I'm learning more every day, I must admit that I know way less about parenting than I thought I did 21 months ago. Nothing humbles a dad more than the journey of discovery that is being a dad.
I am learning how to be patient when every fiber of my being tells me to scream and yell. I once thought I had a problem controlling my temper. I have learned since becoming a parent that I had a problem deciding to control my temper, and that's a big difference. I do have control over my temper when I value that as being important and I put others before myself.
I am learning that the essentials change drastically when you become a parent. I'm embarrassed to admit that the things in my life that I had so high on the priority list before my son was born seem trivial, at best.
I am learning that overtime at work is a bummer. I'd much rather be playing at the park with my son and my wife. I look out the window and the sun is shining, and I have to remind myself that I need to remain disciplined and be the provider my family needs.
I am learning that nothing helps a sad heart like the laughter of your little baby or toddler. Some people seek a rush by jumping out of planes, or surfing big waves, or playing sports. No thrill can compare to hearing a hearty belly laugh from my silly little boy. Everyone is looking for the fountain of youth. I have found it in the joyful laughter expressed by my little gift from Heaven.
I am learning that having a child is the ultimate strength training program. When my son was born, he was so tiny that I could carry him around like a football. As he grew heavier, my strength grew to meet the new challenge of lifting him. At 27 pounds, those squats are a workout that rivals any that Bob or Jillian from the Biggest Loser can come up with!
I am learning that "I love you, daddy" is the sweetest phrase in the whole world. It brings tears to my eyes, a lump to my throat, and immense gratitude to my heart. No four words remind me of what's important quite like those. Nothing snaps me out of a pity party faster.
I am learning that at times, it is more difficult to be a parent than everyone said it would be. When those times come, however, a still small voice from Heaven reminds me that "children are a heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is a reward" (Psalm 27:3, NKJ). It's in the difficult times that I rejoice, because it is in those times that some of the richest and most fulfilling parenting experiences come.
I am learning, however, that most of the time it's not as difficult as everyone says it's going to be. By choosing to focus on the blessings and seeking to squeeze every ounce of joy out of every experience, the tough times aren't nearly as tough as most of the negative people around us said it would be.
I hope that while you were reading this reflection on my first 21 months as a dad, something sparked a fire in your heart to spend time in contemplation on the good things in your life. If you have children, parents, or any other loved ones, please make sure they know that you love them. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Please make today the day that you stop to focus on what is truly important, before it is too late.
