Meal Prep for Caregiving Families on a Budget

In the hustle and bustle of daily life as a caregiver, finding the time and resources to prepare nutritious meals for yourself, your family, and your care recipient can feel daunting.

Meal prep for kids and families is a great way for budget-conscious people to save precious time and money.

Let's discuss some practical meal prep ideas for kids that will help you save time, reduce stress, and keep your finances in check.

How to Meal Prep on a Budget

Planning is pivotal for a successful meal prep. Keep a list of go-to meals handy, reducing the decisions you need to make while meal planning.

• Begin by drafting a weekly menu. Include breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and jot down how many servings each recipe can cover, multiplying as necessary.
• To ensure a balanced diet, incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meal plan.
• Factor in any allergies, dietary restrictions, and picky eaters by planning alternative options that ensure everyone is satisfied.
• Check your fridge and pantry for items that are close to their expiration dates, and get in the habit of cleaning out your fridge before you go shopping.
• Go to the grocery store (or arrange for grocery pick-up or delivery) with a list in hand so you aren't tempted to buy things you don't need for the week's meals.
• Arm yourself with coupons and store deals so you're sure to maximize your savings.
• When you get home, immediately put away all your food. If time allows, start cleaning and prepping some fresh fruits and vegetables so they're easier to use when you're ready to cook.

Another effective way to stretch your meal prep plans and your budget is to use leftovers. A batch of roasted chicken can serve as the main course one night and then be transformed into chicken tacos or a hearty chicken soup the next. Adopting a "cook once, eat twice" approach minimizes waste and maximizes food.

Emphasizing healthy ingredients doesn't mean breaking the bank. You can shop for seasonally available produce, which is more cost-effective. Bulk buying grains and legumes can save dollars in the long run, and utilizing frozen vegetables and fruits ensures you have a nutrient-rich stash on hand without worrying about spoilage.

Meal Prep Ideas for Kids

Here are a few meals you can prepare in advance that are healthy and family-friendly for all ages.

Breakfast Recipe

These are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast for the entire week.

• Whip up a batch of oatmeal cups.
• Mix rolled oats with mashed bananas, a touch of honey, milk, and your choice of berries.
• Pour into muffin tins and bake until set.

Lunch Recipe

Prepare homemade lunchable-style packed lunches.

• Combine whole-grain crackers
• Add slices of turkey or chicken
• Mix in some cheese cubes and carrot sticks or grapes.

These kits are fun for kids to assemble and provide a balanced midday meal. You can prepare a whole week's worth in individual containers.

Dinner Recipe

Try a one-pan roasted vegetable and chicken bake.

• Lay out chicken breasts and various veggies on a baking sheet
• Season as preferred
• Roast the ingredients until everything is cooked thoroughly

This simple meal is both satisfying and minimizes cleanup. You can chop all your veggies ahead of time to save time during the busy evening cooking hour.

Remember, taking a little time to plan and prepare meals for the week ahead does more than ensure healthy eating; it also carves out more quality time to spend with loved ones, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for your family.

Here to Support You

At Best Care, we understand that navigating family caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming. We're here to support you with all your questions. Be sure to browse our resources for more caregiving tips and subscribe to our podcast.