This post is sponsored by Hiland Dairy but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Do you meal plan?
There are six family members in my household. Meal planning is a must.
We rarely eat out...it isn't very economical and if you'd were to meet a few of my children you'd understand it isn't enjoyable...jk...sort of...with that said...98% of our meals are eaten right at our dinner table...which truthfully I love.
Since we mostly eat at home...I meal plan. I've been doing this for a while now. I'd like to share a few tips that have helped me...nothing fancy just tips that help me stay organized, healthy and save money.
1.) Never go to the store without a list. This is budget suicide.
2.) Shop and meal plan around what's on sale.
3.) Check the weather. I can't tell you how many times I have planned to grill and then we have a thunderstorm...or I've planned soup and it's 80 degrees.
4.) I always keep a frozen pizza or the ingredients for a salad on hand. These are both easy fall back meals for busy nights...or nights when plans may have changed...and you need a meal in a pinch.
5.) Save easy meals for busy nights...and more complex meals for nights you will be home.
6.) Make roll over meals...the concept behind this is cook once eat twice. For example...if the husband has made ribs...I will reserve a position of that meat to make sandwiches out of the next day. If I've made grilled chicken...I grill an extra piece or two and use the meat the next days meal...meal like nachos...quesadillas...or salad.
7.) Try not to waste food. I have an easy white bean dip (I'm going to share at the end of this post) it is great for parties or an afternoon snack...we never finish the whole batch in one sitting...so I will usually add this dip to left over grilled chicken...stuff it in a pita with tomatoes...spinach...cucumbers...and in minutes you have a healthy sandwich.
8.) Keep a stocked pantry...simple items like...broth...beans...pasta...sauce...and so on...items that can be turned into a quick meal.
9.) There are some amazing sources for food planning...like THIS from Hiland Dairy...you just have to find them.
10.) When all else fails...have cereal for dinner. I'm not even kidding.
Do you meal plan?
Would you ever meal plan?
Do you like white bean dip? I hope so because I'm about to share it with you.
My recipe is so simple! It very healthy too...high in protein...low in fat...and all around yummy. I love serving this up with homemade pita chips or fresh veggies...and it taste awesome on sandwiches.
You'll need:
Pita chips (store bought or home made)
1 can of white beans
2/3 cup of Hiland Dairy low fat cottage cheese
2 tbsp. of olive oil
1/2 tsp. oregano
Salt and pepper to tatse
For pita chips...simple brush pita bread with olive oil and sprinkle garlic salt on top...cut bread into triangles...and bake at 350 for about 10 mins...until crispy.
For dip...simply place all ingredients into a food processor and blend...that's it! See...I told you super easy.
Be sure to let Hiland Dairy help you with all your Dairy and meal planning needs!
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