3+1 Meal Plan Tips For Busy Mums

EVERYONE CAN COOK !

Cooking to some is therapeutic and I can’t agree more. For others it is just a need and necessity for day-to-day family survival. As the saying goes, you either eat to live or eat to live.  During this pandemic season, the increased need to have home-cooked meals can be a daunting task, especially for busy mums who are juggling work and caring for the children. 

Thinking of what to cook and what groceries to buy is a very time-consuming but essential task. But did you know you can save time by practicing meal plans?  Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out on your kitchen adventure, I hope you will find this helpful and motivating.

This serves as a general guide for married couples or those with family. Choice of food items and ingredients are flexible according to your own family needs, health conditions, cultural beliefs and influences.


1.       Plan Ahead 

Over the years, and especially during MCO period, I realised having a simple meal plan is an important key to helping busy mums to focus on their work and not worry of what to cook each day.  Choose a day where you are relaxed, spend 15 minutes to get started.

Give yourself a 5 minute run through in your fridge and freezer. Based on what you have, jot down what you can cook.  So your note will go something like this.

Meat–chicken thigh, mince pork, fish.

Vegetables–broccoli, spinach, carrots, french beans, sweet potato leaves.

Add-ons–mushroom, fish cake, red peppers, snow peas, dried scallops, bean curd sheets.

Also, it is good to ensure your basic cooking condiments and sauces are in stock. The list varies with different household needs.  Some of my top lists are garlic, small onions, big onions, ginger, sesame oil, light & dark soy sauce, sugar, pepper, corn flour, rice wine, etc. A few frozen standbys like sausages, ham, pastry puffs and buns (“pao”) will be helpful.

2.       Meal Themes   

Meal preparation should be fun and deciding on meal themes helps you plan your ingredients and dishes. For example, Monday Pot Rice, Tuesday Stir Fries , Western Wednesday, Thursday Soups. If you like to have it slow on Friday, then double up the portion on Thursday night so you will have a sufficient meal on Friday. You may leave one day for leftovers and one day for dining out or takeaways. Choose a day when you are most busy.

3. Dish Pairing 

Two is better than one. A bit of pairing planning will do the wonder to your time and efforts. 

Example: 1 pot chicken stew with bread, 1 pot curry chicken with frozen paratha, steam fish with stir-fry mixed vegetables. There are endless options for pairing you will be amazed at the results. 

4. Kitchen Helpers

In these modern times, kitchen appliances are almost an essential part of a typical functioning kitchen. I am sure most busy mums have microwave, blender, food processor or a steamer at home. These items are time savers and life savers and it lightens your meal preparation journey tremendously. If all else fails, just embrace your old faithful rice pot, your over worked wok, and a little passion to create a simple fun meal. 

Take note there will be “plan failed” days, just relax and learn impromptu improvisation with what you have at hand. Reach out to your pantry corner and see what works plus a myriad of food choices for delivery is just a few clicks away.

So just keep in mind these 3+1 tips and pamper yourself with a well-deserving rest and “me-time”, after putting your plan to practice. 

Coming up next, stay tune for some simple meal ideas which you can whipped out under 40 minutes !