11 Meal Time Hacks All Busy Moms Need
As a mom of three, I’ve faced my fair share of mealtime chaos.
But over the years, I’ve discovered some hacks that have made my life easier and mealtimes a bit more manageable. Here are 11 mealtime hacks that have been lifesavers for me:
1. Embrace Screen Time Strategically
While we often hear about limiting screen time, it can be a useful tool. For instance, allowing a bit of TV time for my preschooler while I prepare dinner can be a godsend. This distraction offers me precious minutes to focus on cooking without interruptions.
2. The Magic of the Rice Cooker
A rice maker can be your best friend. It’s simple to use and perfect for making a quick, healthy side without much effort. Just add rice and water, and it takes care of the rest, keeping the rice warm until you’re ready to eat. We just use this super simple and cheap rice cooker at home for my family of 5.
3. Have a Go-To Meal List
Instead of constantly trying new recipes that may or may not work, I stick to a list of tried-and-true family favorites. This approach saves time and ensures that everyone enjoys their meal.
4. Convert Recipes to Crock Pot Versions
Crock pots are lifesavers for busy moms. They allow you to prepare meals in advance and have them ready by dinner time. I often convert favorite family recipes for the crock pot, which saves time and still delivers delicious meals.
5. Prep and Store Veggies Ahead of Time
To make sure I’m using fresh vegetables in our meals, I prep and store them in visible, easily accessible containers. This not only saves time during meal prep but also reduces food waste.
6. Plan Meals for Two Nights
Cooking in bulk and planning for leftovers is a great strategy. I often cook enough for two nights, especially on evenings before busy days. This means every other night can be a breeze with ready-to-heat meals.
7. Use a Digital Meat Thermometer
A digital meat thermometer has been a game-changer in my kitchen. It ensures meat is perfectly cooked every time, eliminating guesswork and ensuring the safety and deliciousness of our meals.
8. Speed Up Plate Prep with Kitchen Shears
Using kitchen shears to quickly cut food into bite-sized pieces for my kids has been a revelation. It’s much faster than using a knife and fork and just as effective.
9. Simplify with Placemats with Built-In Plates
To minimize mealtime mess, especially with little ones, I use placemats with built-in plates. They stick to the table, reducing the number of spills and making cleanup a breeze. We like these ones for when the kids are really little.
10. Meal Planning and Batch Cooking
Dedicating time each week for meal planning and batch cooking can save countless hours. Preparing large batches of staples like grains, proteins, and vegetables ahead of time makes weekday meal prep much quicker. I also find that theme nights, like Taco Tuesday, add fun and predictability to our meals. I actually love my new cookbook Dinnertime SOS by Yummy Toddler Food, it’s simplified my meal times SO much.
11. Utilize Online Grocery Shopping
To save time and avoid the stress of in-store shopping, I’ve started ordering groceries online. It’s a convenient way to ensure I have all the ingredients I need without the hassle of taking my kids to the store. I like the convenience of it all, and it saves me money too because I don’t grab things that were not on my list.
These hacks have not only streamlined my meal prep but also allowed me to provide nutritious, enjoyable meals for my family without losing my sanity. Give them a try, and you might find they make your meal times a lot smoother too!