Beech Tree News Network

Theme Nights Make Meal Planning Easy

Meal planning can make healthy eating easier for you and your family. Meal planning is the process of looking ahead at the week and determining what meals to prepare each day. The simple act of planning ahead for healthy meals can help families stick to a food budget, have balanced meals, and spend more time together at family meals. While these benefits are wonderful, coming up with exciting recipes each week can be tough!

Theme nights make meal planning easier. To develop your own theme nights, think of your family’s favorite cuisines and meals—Southern style food? Italian food? Tacos? Once you have compiled your favorites, start assigning them to different nights in your week. For instance, Mondays may be Southern Style, Tuesdays may be Taco Night, while Fridays may be reserved for leftovers. Now you have themed nights that will make choosing recipes easier and will liven up your meal choices for the week! Try out the following theme nights to get started!

Sunday: Slow Cooker Sunday—cook your favorite slow cooker meal. You may even make extras to repurpose later in the week.

Monday: Mexican-inspired Menu—tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, you name it!

Tuesday: Try Something New—this is your chance to try that new recipe you’ve been eyeing.

Wednesday: Rewind Wednesday Leftover Night—use up those leftovers and take a break, it’s hump day!

Thursday: Traditional Meal—from family favorites to classic comfort foods.

Friday: Fun Friday—involve the family in cooking tonight. Make some personal pizzas, mini sliders,breakfast for dinner, or anything out of the ordinary!

Saturday: Soup, Salad, and Sandwiches—try a classic tomato soup and grilled cheese or a fancy sandwich with spinach salad.