Meal Plan #ballinonabudget: PICK A THEME
We are technically leaving town this week to go to the beach with dear friends, but I thought it could be a good opportunity to talk through an aspect that can be very helpful when it comes to meal planning on a budget. What is that aspect? PICK A THEME!
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When you pick a theme, it allows you to utilize a more expensive ingredient in multiple meals or can help justify the amount of time it takes to make a homemade ingredient. For instance, whipping up tzatziki for one meal seems like a pain, but for 3 meals seems totally worth it! (But for the record, I bought this; it’s @cedars brand and it’s delicious). Either way, I think when you plan for a theme it allows you to use all of the special ingredients without wasting any.
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Also, a theme can help “reign in” an overzealous meal plan/pinterest board (we’ve all been there). It can simplify things greatly and allow for less time in the kitchen overall. You can chop similar ingredients to be used in multiple meals all at once.
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Last week was Greek week at our house and the meals were delicious! I made a super simple shredded chicken in the crock pot using EVOO, sea salt, cracked pepper, and garlic powder. This was then added to countless meals. I also made a large batch of orzo and purchased @organicgirl romaine hearts at the store.
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Special purchases specific to THE THEME: tzatziki and feta (could have also done red pepper, olives, the list goes on…you can go all out or keep it simple!)
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Next time you go to make a grocery list, check the fridge/pantry first. Do you have some random ingredients that could be the beginning of a lovely theme?! Give it a go! If it fails (which I doubt it will), who cares? Remember, it’s just meal planning!
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Hey Kate!
I wanted to leave you a note – actually I was going to email you but I could’t find your email on here, so my apologies that this comment isn’t directly about the entry it’s attached to. 🙂 Does that even make sense?@. ANYWAY, I am new to the Naptime Kitchen community, man I would’ve loved having you as a resource when my boys were tiny! They are 12 and 13 now. Anyway, I just watched your stories on insta and you mentioned that you just really don’t want NTK to be a place for comparison and for mom’s to compare themselves to you or anyone else. I totally get it. I know you are struggling with that, but I think to a certain extent it’s unavoidable. BUT! I think what is more the case is you are such an inspiration! I have gotten so many good tips and tricks and HACKS from your instagram feed and your website that it’s AWESOME!!!! I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your life, and your tips! Your stories are the highlight of my day personally 🙂
Allison, that is so kind! Means a lot to me that you would take the time to write me. You have made my day!
<3