Maybe you consistently make meal plans. But do you always stick to them? Well, I feel now is a good time to let you know–at week four of my Meal Planning Monday series–I do NOT often stick to my meal plans. Realistic flexible meal plans are the key to stress-free weekday meals.
Life happens. You need to be flexible. Changing your meal plans is fine and to be expected!
It’s always better to have a flexible meal plan that you can change than to have no plan at all.
Last Week’s Flexible Meal Plans
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday went according to plan. (I can usually hold things together for three days!)
But we planned a last minute family photo shoot for Thursday evening (before my husband deploys this week for about 3 months). Although we planned on leftovers, at 6:45 pm when we finished up, we were hungry and decided to go for sushi.
Why? Because he’ll be stuck on a ship with limited food options AND because it sounded better to me than reheating and cleaning up. Win-win!
So, I moved Thursday’s leftover burrito bowls to Friday night’s menu.
But then on Friday…my lovely good friend of a neighbor next door surprised us with a tray of homemade chicken parmesan. This is actually one of my favorite meals ever; I always requested it as my birthday dinner from my mom growing up!
Hmmm, pop that pan in the oven to melt the cheese (while I open a bottle of wine) or reheat leftovers? No brainer.
So, the leftover burrito bowls got pushed back again and made for a great weekend lunch (and I had even put some in the freezer for a weeknight meal in the near future). Nothing was wasted, so I feel absolutely fine about the changes.
Truthfully, changes happen almost every week. But I continually try to plan meals that are flexible enough to allow for the inevitable change of plans. So, please don’t worry or give up if that happens to you, too!
Meal Planning This Week
Monday (a holiday): Blue Cheese Bacon Burger Salad
Tuesday (a busy night): Baked Salmon with Dill Butter, Roasted Asparagus, and a simple salad
Wednesday: Baked Acorn Squash with Sausage Stuffing, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and a simple salad
Thursday (a busy night): Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and a simple salad
Friday: Leftover soup and salad (TGIF!)
Buon Appetito!