3 Ways to Save Time in the Kitchen as a Busy Mom
As a busy mom, you’re likely looking for ways to save time in the kitchen. I gotchu, mama! These 3 ways to save time in the kitchen are mom- and dietitian-approved, so get ready to become the ultimate efficient mama!
You’re a busy mom and have no time to waste! I get it myself, as a busy mom, I’m always looking to save time in the kitchen.
Even more, as a recipe developer and registered dietitian, I’ve had quite some time to practice getting more efficient, so I think it’s time I share my secrets with you…
Here are 3 ways to save time in the kitchen as a busy mom:
1. Stress less over what you’re making for dinner
I know this seems easier said than done, but the amount of TIME you spend thinking about food is costing you, well, TIME (+ ENERGY!!)
If you learn how to stress less over food (AKA exactly how we help our clients at Chelsey Amer Nutrition), preparing dinner becomes a little bit easier because you can easily think about what you’re in the mood for, what tastes good, what you have on hand, and how you can add a little bit more nutrition in a stress-free way.
What’s the first step to take to stress less over food? Give yourself permission to stop tracking, counting, and thinking about foods as “good” or “bad.” The more you think about food, the more you’ll stress over it.
Instead, start eating enough so you’re satisfied. If you’re hungry all day, you’re going to be thinking about food all day. And thinking about food all day will lead to stressing about food all day. In our experience, it also usually leads to you feeling GUILTY and shameful for being hungry, and that’s just not necessary!
2. Rely on convenience foods
There’s no shame in a convenience food game. Convenience foods were created as we got busier as a society. Think about it – as more women entered the workforce, ready-to-eat cereal was born.
Utilize these tools that the supermarket offers. There’s no need to feel guilty for not making everything from scratch.
Some of my favorite convenience foods include:
- Salad kits
- Frozen proteins (turkey burgers, bean-based veggie burgers, meatballs, chicken sausage, chicken nuggets even!)
- Rotisserie chicken
- Canned beans
- Pre-chopped veggies
- Canned tuna and salmon
- Canned veggies
- Frozen veggies
If you PLAN to use these convenience foods it’s easier to feel ZERO GUILT by utilizing these shortcuts.
3. Prepare more food while you’re in the kitchen
Think about it… your knife is out, the cutting board, the oven is on, you’ll already be doing dishes…
Not only will you save on clean up time, but you’ll save yourself the mental space later on too. Now, you can play more with your kids, help them with homework, etc.
There are 2 ways to prepare more food at one time:
- Add more volume of whatever you’re making so you can enjoy leftovers (roast 2 sheets of veggies at a time, make 2 pounds of ground turkey, 2 packs of tofu, etc)
- Literally make 2 meals at once. For example, while the water boils, do something else, like chop veggies or make overnight oats. If you’re in the kitchen, use your time efficiently. We can help you map it out in a way that works for you.
If you want to become more efficient in the kitchen, apply for coaching. We’re offering kitchen audits to help you plan, prep and feed your family more efficiently (saving you $$$ + time!!).
XO