The holidays are a time when many people like to get together with family and friends. It can also be a time when people have to cook for a large number of people. According to a survey, almost 50% of people find holiday cooking stressful. This is because people have to cook for many people, and they also have to make sure that the food is tasty and presentable. If you’re one of those people who find holiday cooking stressful, here are some tips, and a recipe that will help you in meal planning for the holidays.
1. Don’t Forget a Shopping List
One of the most important things you need to do when you’re meal planning for the holidays is to make a shopping list. This will help you to make sure that you have all of the ingredients that you need for your holiday meals. It’s also a good idea to add some extra items to your shopping list in case you need them. If you’re unsure what to add to your shopping list, you can always ask family and friends for ideas. Always check your list twice, so you don’t forget anything.
2. Plan for Leftovers
Another tip that will help you in meal planning for the holidays is to plan for leftovers. This is because there’s a chance that you might not be able to finish all of the food that you have prepared. If you’re worried about leftovers, you can always freeze them so that you can eat them later. According to a survey, almost 60% of people said that they freeze their leftovers so that they can eat them at a later time. Examples of leftovers that can be frozen are vegetables, protein, and casseroles.
3. Keep Healthy Snacks Within Easy Reach
If you’re worried about overeating during the holidays, you can always keep healthy snacks within easy reach. This way, you’ll be able to snack on something healthy instead of unhealthy junk food. Some examples of healthy snacks include fruits, vegetables, and nuts. You can also make healthy snacks to know exactly what’s in them. In addition to keeping healthy snacks within easy reach, you should drink plenty of water. This will help to keep you hydrated and will also help to fill you up.
4. Don’t Plan Too Far in Advance
If you’re the type of person who likes to plan everything, you might want to rethink your strategy regarding meal planning for the holidays. This is because you might end up making last-minute changes to your plans. If you don’t want to deal with last-minute changes, you should only plan a few days. This way, you’ll still be able to make changes to your plans if necessary. Several days before the holidays, you can start to prep some of the food so that you’re not doing everything at the last minute.
5. Stock Your Pantry and Freezer
One of the best ways to do meal planning for the holidays easier is to stock your pantry and freezer with some essential ingredients. This way, you won’t have to run to the store whenever you need something. Some examples of items that you can stock your pantry and freezer with include flour, sugar, salt, pepper, and spices. You can also stock up on non-perishable items such as canned goods and frozen vegetables. This way, you’ll always have something to fall back on if you run out of time.
6. Take Advantage of Technology
You should take advantage of technology to make meal planning for the holidays easier. Several apps and websites can help you with meal planning. Some apps and websites allow you to create a grocery list, while others let you search for recipes. You can also find meal-planning templates online that you can use. You can always watch tutorial videos if you’re unsure how to use some of these apps and website features.
7. Prep Breakfast the Night Before
If you want to save time in the morning, you can always prep breakfast the night before. This way, all you have to do is reheat the food in the morning. Some examples of breakfast foods that you can prep the night before including oatmeal, pancakes, and eggs. You can also make a big batch of coffee or tea so that you don’t have to make it in the morning. If you have kids, you can also prep their breakfast the night before so they can grab and go in the morning.
These are just a few tips to help you in make for dinner holiday planning. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the holiday season much less stressful. So, don’t wait until the last minute to start your holiday meal planning. Use these tips to get started today.