MVP #GenerationGo: Meal Planning (& A $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway)

Several weeks ago, I was asked to join the MVP Generation Go Ambassador Program to share a multitude of subjects ranging from community exploration, favorite recipes to time management and back-to-school tips.  Along with sharing these topics, Kids Fun Plaza are generous enough to give away a $50 Visa Gift Card each week to one of my readers, which has been a very popular giveaway here.

Who can say no to free money? I know I can’t! {You can enter below}

What is MVP Generation Go?

The MVP Generation Go Program was established by MVP Health Care to help parents and children live a healthy lifestyle by getting families to get up, go outdoors and stay active.  It’s a way to live well.  They believe all children have the power to make healthy choices and that is the main reason they started the MVP Generation Go Program.

Since I joined the program a bit late, I missed a few weekly topics.  This week I’ll be talking about Meal Planning.

PlannerMy take on Meal Planning

Allow me to start off by saying I don’t do any meal planning, per se. I don’t write down any meals for the week on a calendar like some people do.  My kind of meal planning is looking through the weekly supermarket circular and buying what’s on sale for that week.  It makes it easier to figure out what meals I will make for my family while saving money.  It also leaves time for me to do other things, such as watching our favorite TV shows together.

It doesn’t always work out that way. There are times where I am going crazy figuring out dinner because I didn’t pre-plan dinner ideas earlier so I am confronted by my kids with the unpleasant question, “What’s for dinner, Mom?”

You have no idea how I despise when my kids say that. By the time 5pm comes around, I know for a fact one of them will come to me with that question.

When worse comes to worse, we call for delivery.  It’s usually pizza or Chinese food.  Where we live,  those are the choices we have when it comes to delivery.

As you can tell, my meal planning isn’t very efficient. So I would love for you to share your secrets, tips and/or tricks for planning your meals.

______________________________

 

GIVEAWAY

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me in a comment your best secret, tip or tricks to get your meals on the table.

FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES

1) Like the MVP GenerationGo Fan page and add your tip on the best way to plan your daily/weekly meal.

2) Tweet your “Tips” comment with these hashtags: #GenerationGo & #MealPlan.

3) Follow New York Chica and Tweet this (Once a day):

Have a #MealPlan tip? Share it for a chance 2 win a $50 GC from @NewYorkChica Ends Sept 10th. http://bit.ly/r0gEXL #GenerationGo #Giveaway

4) Like this post (button is below this post).

5) “Like” New York Chica on Facebook. If you liked New York Chica already (thanks!), just say so in the comment. ;)

6) Subscribe by email for free updates. If you’re already a confirmed email subscriber (thanks!), just state it in the comment.

**For official giveaway rules, please click here.**

ALSO, please note, if you don’t see your comment right away, it’s not because it didn’t go thru – it simply means your comment went to the SPAM folder and I have to approve it.  Thank you 😉

Disclosure: I am an MVP Generation Go ambassador. MVP Has provided me with compensation for this post. My participation is voluntary and my opinions expressed here are always my own.

Comments

  1. Diane Baum says:

    I start all my meal prep on the weekends, so all I have to do basically is heat the meals up or prepare side dishes.

  2. I liked the post Jammie M
    Jammie recently posted..Round em Up Friday – 56

  3. I like you on fb Jammie M

  4. I subscribe via email.

  5. Like the MVP GenerationGo Fan page and posted.http://www.facebook.com/MVPGenerationGo/posts/278285852181429

  6. tweet tip-http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/112344619865477122

  7. My tip is to make meals for the week on the weekend, and freeze them. Then on busy work nights just thaw and serve.

  8. like you on fb (julie hawkins)

  9. spirit_kim says:

    I try and use one pan if possible. It makes things easy for cooking and clean-up. Also I saute quite a bit.

    gabe411 at hotmail dot com

  10. daily tweet

    http://twitter.com/#!/c5519/status/112364967285633024
    nblexp at gmail dot com

  11. Plan your meal ahead and if you can do anything the night before to prepare it, it’ll make things easier as well.

  12. My best tip is to prepare a lot at one time and freeze it for future ‘quick’ meals.

  13. I already like New York Chica on FB. Samantha M.

  14. I also follow you on Facebook Lorri S

  15. I try to get my kids to help me plan the meals, and they’re more apt to help (and eat!) that way

  16. Two Words. . .Microwave Cooking!!

  17. I LIKE This post on Facebook (Erin Mize)

  18. I LIKE New York Chica on Facebook (Erin Mize)

  19. e-mail subscriber. (validated!)

  20. Amanda Kuna says:

    Crock pot cooking is a great way to get food ready. Get everything ready the night before, in the morning throw it in and when you get home dinner is ready. Also good for making hot lunches by letting it cook overnight and pack it in the morning.

  21. mistysunrise says:

    I always make something everyone likes

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

  22. mistysunrise says:

    sub by email from heartsnflowers72 at gmail.com

    if I win please email me at

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

  23. Marcia Goss says:
  24. I try to prep meat/cook chicken on weekends and make a huge batch of sauce and freeze
    Lovefool827 (at) yahoo (dotcom)

  25. amy pugmire says:
  26. On Sundays, I have a meal plan written out for the week.
    Makes it so much easier so I don’t spend the evening wondering what the heck I am gonna cook! LOL

  27. “like” this post
    (Mommyofone Shanna)

  28. “like” your page on facebook
    (Mommyofone Shanna)

  29. Benjamin Dopp says:

    Two words Slow Cooker. Its just ready when you get home.
    BendoppSW@gmail.com

  30. Invite the kids to help. It’s good bonding time and we’re all contributing to a great meal.

  31. Mary Beth Elderton says:
  32. Like the MVP GenerationGo Fan page

    “crave to save”
    gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

  33. latisha depoortere says:

    I like to Plan the meal ahead of time somethings I can dothings the night before then just put everything together! Thank you so much great giveaway!
    tishajean@ charter.net

  34. latisha depoortere says:

    Twitter follower/latishajean
    tweeted too
    http://twitter.com/#!/latishajean/status/112581899142172672
    tishajean@ charter.net

  35. latisha depoortere says:

    I like to plan a heard of time sometimes I get things ready the night before then I just have to put together! Thank you for the great giveaway!
    tishajean@ charter.net

  36. latisha depoortere says:

    Follow on facebook/latisha D
    tishajean@ charter.net

  37. latisha depoortere says:

    Liked this post on facebook/latisha D
    tishajean@ charter.net

  38. latisha depoortere says:

    Email subscriber too
    tishajean@ charter.net

  39. Mandatory: I try to make a weekly meal plan to make it easier to get our meals on the table.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

  40. I follow you on twitter and tweeted! @crazyitalian0
    gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

    http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/112583946189012992