5 Tips to Cook at Home More (& stop eating out so much!) Minimalist Family Life 2019

[@TheMinimalMom]

THANK YOU for watching! I'd love to know your favorite advice for cooking at home MORE and eating out LESS! :) You can also find the meal planning video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWK9l4lpft-kgNU

[@sgia2154]

The Minimal Mom we definitely try to cook in bigger batches when we can especially our favorite meals!! Cook once, eat twice right!!

[@kaelaleedaley]

Completey agree with the cook once, eat twice method. If you have tons of freezer space, I would recommend batch cooking ☺ x

[@freddythefrog7379]

Hi !! I actually find it funny that people might be wondering how to reverse their habits from eating mostly out to eating at home most of the time ! Here in France, we don't even question the fact that eating home is a normal habit to be had !! We usually eat out for special occasions or not so special ones (fun outings on weekends for instance), when we're some place visiting or during lunch break on workdays...so we eat at home MOST of the time !! Doing otherwise would feel so unnatural ...it is part of our customs as much as sitting at the table as a family at least for dinner on workdays and for lunch as well on the weekends... Btw your videos are very useful and relevant...I'll definitely take some of your advice seriously regarding decluttering and more !! Thanks a lot !!

[@freddythefrog7379]

Oh...and my name is Frédérique (for a girl in France)...in case you want to respond. What's yours, come to that ?

[@Nibz-s9y]

The Minimal Mom I like to freeze leftovers. Comes in handy on those days it’s hard to cook. Kids can’t even tell the difference, and are used to it 👍🏼

[@bronspencer7815]

My BIGGEST tip came from my Grandma Terry. She taught me to always make dinner in the morning. This one tip has saved my hide more times then I could count. Doesn't matter if it's crockpot, instapot, casserole, or you prep everything and put it in the fridge to throw into a skillet or oven at dinner time. Make dinner in the morning! Grandma Terry knew what she was talking about! Thanks for reading, Carrie Spencer

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! Love this Carrie!!! 👍

[@candy2325]

Omg I do this and thought it was weird 😅 saves me so much time later in the day

[@livingstrategically]

Special connections happen when a family sits down and "breaks bread" together. Having that end in mind makes all the effort worth it! 👍

[@anordinarymom]

Yes, this!! And thank you for the reminder!!

[@lindym126]

You are so right, we raised both our girls, now in their 40s! To love sitting down at the table together for meals. They got away from it until the grandkids were born, but they have gotten back in the habit more now. Hubby and I eat together the table and talk about stuff 5 or 6 nights a week. We tend eat at home nearly all the time, because we both k8e to cook. I like that time to discuss things we are interested in.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes, amen!!!! ❤️

[@tawnytuppence5573]

Hi Dawn! I wanted to tell you that I started your meal planning/grocery list system a few weeks ago, and it has been wildly successful at my house! Not only has my stress gone down, but my family has a whole list of breakfast and lunch ideas on the fridge at all times so it’s not all up to me to supply them with ideas. On Sundays, I have each person in my family highlight one or two dinners they want that week, and I shop on Mondays. I love this system SO MUCH. No more hangry people at my house-THANK YOU!!! Bless you for this amazing system. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TheMinimalMom]

Tawny, I LOVE the idea of having your family pick the meals, too! THANK YOU, I'm so glad to hear that it is working well!!!! :)

[@thepioneerhomestead]

We do themed nights😍 I meal plan a week in advance based on what we have on the calendar and the theme of the night… Some nights are more simple than others. As an example: Mexican Monday Tuscan Tuesday Leftover Wednesday Fish or chicken Thursday (with a carb and veggie) Pizza Friday (homemade crust...one for now and one for later that goes in the freezer… Lots of fun topping ideas and this curbs the urge to spend money eating out on pizza) Breakfast Saturday or kids choice Pot roast Sunday (great to use shredded leftover meat in other weekday dinners) Hope this helps!😉💗 Now off to cook! 👍

[@TheMinimalMom]

Love this idea!!!

[@sgia2154]

Yes please share your instant pot videos! I need to use mine more often!!

[@auntpurl5325]

You are excellent at troubleshooting the typical problems and offering practical solutions. I find your channel is time well spent and I oftennealk away refreshed and inspired.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much Denelle, I greatly appreciate that!!

[@slreding13]

Every time I watch one of your videos I have the surreal experience of thinking you are the little angel on my shoulder countering the little devil telling me I am lazy and unorganized. You give voice to all those thoughts I have hidden away that I thought made me a bad homemaker! (I don't like cooking, I don't want to deal with all that paper, I can't keep track of too much inventory, etc). Thank you for being an inspiration to someone that has never had luck with the systems set up for all those perfectly organized bloggers and friends!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Amen!!! I had to realize that people who love organizing make organizing videos and blogs and then it appears that that is how we all should be!!! ;) Thank you for the kind words, I greatly appreciate it!!! :)

[@OldWorldHome]

We’re bringing pizza to friends who just had a baby tonight so I am off the hook for dinner 😆 These tips were SO spot on though Dawn!! I love the days I have my act together and prep or cook dinner during nap time, it makes our evenings so much more enjoyable.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! I love when you mention that in your videos, it makes such a HUGE difference!!! :)

[@jackierux1345]

I LOVE that you say Supper! True Minnesotan like me!

[@marieperkins7292]

We are empty nesters now and some our our best memories come from the time we shared around the table at the end of each day.

[@emmakeatingclark2825]

If I could give this 100 thumbs up I would! Dawn your videos are crazily psychic! I was stomping around my house last night at fter coming home from work at 6.00, NOT sitting down, cooking and clearing up the house afterwards with no help. I ended up having a "conversation" with my son about how it's not actually my job to do EVERYTHING. I'm totally going to get him involved with dinner more. Also I've been using your simplified dinner and shopping list system for weeks now and it is SOOOOO good. Whenever I don't do it, my meals go out the window so I know it's working. THANK YOU you are such a help to our little family.

[@TheMinimalMom]

I love this Emma! This so used to be me!!!

[@emmakeatingclark2825]

You're on it now though! I do have a tip....we're veggies so we keep frozen veggie meal alternatives in our feeezer and they're great to cook quickly straight from frozen. Quorn mince for chilli or bolognese cooks in just 10 mins. Even if you're not a veggie, it's good alternative to meat a few times a week and it's less calories and cheaper than meat. 👍

[@emmakeatingclark2825]

I meant meat alternatives not meal alternatives 😊

[@emmakeatingclark2825]

Update....Tonight.....Mikey cleared up after dinner!!!! He actually did it really cheerfully. He also agreed to either set or clear up the table every night except Saturdays and Mondays. That was some high powered negotiation from a six year old. Hilarious. I'll let you know how it continues.......😜

[@cjcain6010]

I like this series already! Cooking at home would save me so much money that I need to do it NOW. Motivation is definitely key. These are great ideas. Thanks.

[@amiehegeman]

Prep fruits and veggies in the weekend and put them in single serve containers for snacks, meals, etc. I also sectioned off and labeled part of the fridge for meal prep. There is nothing worse than going to cook dinner and finding that someone has eaten your ingredients. This way, everyone knows what they can’t eat and your chalk board/white board idea has been working well to remind them what they can eat!

[@TheMinimalMom]

GREAT ideas!!!! :)

[@marynewell5706]

Can you please take a picture?

[@christydiaz4736]

Thank you! I'm so glad I found your channel... you have inspired me and i'm a "I hate to cook Mom." I can't wait to watch more of your videos.

[@patriotgirl6843]

LOVE!! I'm a SAHM Homeschooling too! You said exactly how I feel (You have the what am I going to make, or I should get dinner started hanging over you during the day). I really look forward to your on the go dinners, because sometimes that happens to us. LOVE your channel.

[@angelasnodgrass6621]

Hi Dawn I have gotten rid of 75% of my stuff. I love becoming a minimalist. I did set up a cleaning schedule. I went to dust everything I could not believe how fast it went. Then I vacuumed. I am so happy.

[@lindym126]

I loved this video! We are simplifying everything this spring. Especially the kitchen, which is very small. I love our instant pot too! I have found that prepping the veggies when I get home from the store works great, and i divide the meats and poultry into recipe amounts then too and freeze some of it. I Love grocery shopping and save more when I do it myself, but I have always enjoyed going to the store and seeing the new stuff and getting inspired. When I get home I cut up the broccoli and cauliflower and carrots (I buy the whole ones in the bags, and not the mini ones) I always shop with a list! That makes it easier! I prep most of the fruit too. And I, also, cook for two meals at least twice a week, and we freeze one and eat one. But we are just me and hubby, so it is not so hard. I did get a wonderful chuckle from this video! I am a Girl Raised in the South! I grew up with a southern drawl. Lol. Then I went to work and the drawl was considered “not professional” for my job. So I worked on talking faster and less drawl. Now I facilitate several meetings a month and talk for a couple of hours sometimes doing a presentation. I now have people tell me I talk too fast, their olde ears can’t listen that fast. It is pretty funny, actually! Then tonight I listened to your video and thought, wow she talks faster than I do! Im so glad to see that others talk fast to get it all in! One thing my hubby says is that he Cannell,when I’ve been talking to family on the phone, especially my Tennessee family, he says my accent turns to molasses! Guess you can train the southern drawl out of a Tennessee girl completely! 😝 Did i say I love all you videos?? Well I doo and can’t wait for the next one!

[@LindsayDroke]

I found that I cook more like you said sticking to the meals I know and feel comfortable making. Keeping it simple is key for me even though I stay at home I still usually start my dinner at lunch cause when kids get home it’s busy and I don’t mind busy but if I have to make dinner during that time then it makes it stressful.

[@MsOLWYNN]

For me prepping food right after you bring it home from the market or store helps a lot. I also use zip lock bags and write oven temp and cook time on it. No scrambling for the recipe, however I do put approximately 9 recipes in a plastic sheet folder and go to them for evening meals or lunches when able. Eg. steak and salad or veg, a pasta such fettucine as carbonara, ( 15 min fave) Crumbed chicken breast pieces baked in oven with a hugetray of baked veg. (for leftovers). Salmon and salad, quick easy, zuchinni -veg -cheese bake.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Ohh, these sound awesome!!! :)

[@auntpurl5325]

That approach was a game changer for me. ☺

[@cathyadams2243]

I have been using your print-out grocery list and meal planner! It has really simplified my life in that I can look at the list of meals and decide in the morning which one I'm going to make and already have the groceries for it! Love it!

[@annaheiszerne7183]

Cathy Adams same here!!👍👍👍its the best!!!! I use it now for 2 weeks and can not thank enough!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheMinimalMom]

So glad to hear this!!!

[@han.nah.]

I’ve started using Walmart grocery pickup since my 2nd trimester and LOVE it- makes meal planning and money saving so much easier! And isn’t as stressful or overwhelming as going into the supermarket. Also, your highlights look pretty! They look lighter than they have in other videos. Looks good on you😘

[@TheMinimalMom]

Hannah!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so excited for you!! I'm sorry if I've missed any of your comments, they always make me smile!!! And yes, turns out my sister and hairstylist were colluding...they wanted me to do all over color to cover the grey, I said I think the highlights are still working just fine, none of my friends on here have noticed the grey...or at least they haven't said anything if they did notice...which, lets face it, they'd say something ;) SO she went with MORE highlights than usual! I like it, I just think I'm going to have to upkeep it more and not get by with only going in every 3 or 4 months!!! ;)

[@han.nah.]

Thanks, Dawn! :)

[@elainejudd4892]

I am enjoying all of your videos so much and also love your meal planning printable. My best tip for learning to cook more at home was to move way, way out in the country. I work "in town" some days and from home others but with no consistency to which days. My husband and I share cooking duties and we almost always cook at home. Being 30+ minutes from the grocery store and completely inconsistent work schedules means we have a large well-stocked pantry and (gulp) two freezers -- very organized but hardly "minimal." I use my Instapot a lot. A whole frozen chicken done in 35 minutes means meat for several dishes over several days. Okay, my pantry will never be minimal, but my clothes closet, that is minimal. Too many clothing choices are just a distraction. Two weeks ago I donated about 1/3 of my clothing, including my best winter coat and wedding dress, and I love the extra closet space. Empty space really is great. (Except in the pantry -- Haha!) I think you are a breath of fresh air! Keep up the great videos.

[@lesver9297]

Much needed!! i dread every step lol

[@bonnieoliver427]

I always have cooked at home except Friday night's were Pizza night!! Now that my children have grown and moved out on their own I have found that my husband and I are eating out more and more.... I wanna change that..... I am so excited to start cooking at home more and eating out less.... I've always enjoyed cooking and Not sure why I stopped cooking so much lately.... Plus it's definitely worth cooking at home and saving money!!! You have inspired me to do so... Thank you!!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Stay at home, homeschooling mama here as well! 💗 Sending love from Idaho!

[@HomeschoolGlue]

Awesome tips! We meal prep our dinners on Sundays. We usually actually cook the meals as well so all we have to do is reheat them. I’m at home all day, but as a daycare provider, it’s not easy to cook supper with 8+ little kids around! So doing it this way gives us way more time as a family on weeknights, keeps our toddler happy who is HANGRY at 5pm so we can get dinner to her faster, and takes away the stress of not knowing what’s for dinner at night.

[@TheMinimalMom]

LOVE this!!! :)

[@lovemybabe3131]

Love this! Having a minimal kitchen does make a huge difference.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

This is so good! For me...definitely planning is key! If I something have my meals somewhat planned out...it's going to be a disaster for sure! And so agree...I have never enjoyed cooking either...but, as long as I have stuff planned out- it's sure to be a success! Thanks for sharing!

[@stephaniejohnson8727]

I work part time so I cook all the before the kids come home. I keep a calendar in my kitchen just for food planning. Love your tips

[@elliejellie22]

You are very good at figuring things out and then articulating them. Enjoy watching you and learning a lot. Keep up the good work!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much Ellie, I greatly appreciate that!!!

[@Jesussavioursonofgod]

So simple but so powerful! I'm going to start prepping and setting out my dinner stuff early. I think this one change is going to make a big difference in ongoing motivation to cook at home. Thanks for sharing!

[@sparklejesusfreak]

We love our Instant Pots! We have two. A 6 quart which we make Greek yogurt in every week because that’s my children’s primary breakfast and an 8 quart for dinners. I can’t wait to see all your instant pot meal ideas!

[@shannontorrens1]

I don’t enjoy cooking either! We still cook every meal at home and I just push through the cooking lol. My problem is making a nice meal that my kids complain about and usually won’t eat 😂 eventually they will grow out if this stage 🤞. Good tips !

[@Xanduur]

We stopped going out 75% less often. At first our evening meals were pretty bland and boring and repetitive at that. We’re slowly learning how to cook better and it is saving us money and time in the long run. I think the quality of the food is a big improvement too.

[@claudiag1158]

I love your printable. I have it on my phone with all of my essentials and cross out whatever I don't need and uncross it when I do. I cook every day except Sunday morning/lunch.

[@Kathryninchrist]

Yes yes yes! I have 6 kids who keep me very busy and we try to eat out only twice a month or less... This has been doable with lots of prep: I keep a tight meal plan, i always have some good food prep done which includes precooking meat such as ground beef, pork roast and chicken, also rice and beans cooked ahead (which take longer to cook) I used to think that if I did this I would always feel like we were eating “leftovers” but in actuality, every meal feels fresh and unique but comes from a simple set of ingredients and comes together quickly when I have done things to limit the work at dinner time. Thanks for this video!

[@emilywike6488]

One thing I was SHOCKED at how fast they cook in the Instant Pot is beans. If you prep cook beans, I 100% recommend trying it.

[@msunshine4412]

Such great tips! You are so right about sitting at the table together -it does help to bring family closer. And, definitely, getting the children involved in serving, cleaning and helping is so important in for them grow in life skills, and in their sense of family service (bear one another's burdens, serving one another in love). Bravo for you efforts and the fruit they are bearing. God bless!

[@dianesnider3148]

Dawn, your videos are so refreshingly honest, relatable and life-changing! One thing I do is keep a short list of favorite main dish recipes by meat. Example: Favorite recipes for ground beef, chicken, roast, etc. That way I can quickly look at the weekly meat sales and quickly put together my week's meal plan as well as take advantage of the sales. Keep up the great work, Dawn!!

[@TheMinimalMom]

That is an awesome idea Diane!! :)

[@barrysparksofficial]

Hi Dawn! I've REALLY enjoyed this video! Really good job! Looking forward to the other ones on this topic!🙌

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you! 😘❤️

[@LivetolearnMama]

I've got 3 kids 3 and under, and I just don't have time or energy to cut up vegetables. I buy frozen and use those, and my prep time might only be 30 seconds. It's a huge help. No, it's not as good as fresh, but it is way better than most fast food.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! That's a great idea!

[@conniestanton2273]

Can’t wait for the meals to go video. I’m in that crazy teen schedule phase of life 😜

[@teaandjamswithbarbaraann54]

Always make two (or more) of something. Lasagne, casserole, etc. ~ make one to eat and one for the freezer to have later. Added bonus is you have something in the freezer if you need to take a meal to someone in need. Also, think about making extra meat. A big turkey can be roasted and then separated for soup, casseroles, sandwiches, etc. Just take meat off the bone and put into containers with the amount you need for a recipe. Always brown extra ground beef for later. Chop extra onion and put into freezer to add to recipes later. Looking forward to this whole series!

[@kbkb3358]

Love your videos!!! Always love your ideas and tips. Hands down the best minimal family videos out there. Thankful that you have made these. Looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate that!!! :)

[@stephanieritz9165]

Mornings have never worked for me because I have to work out and read my Bible or it doesn't get done, and I like to get to work early to make sure I have time to work on stuff that needs to be done that day. Otherwise, I get stuck on phone calls all day and have to do my work at night. I've tried meal kits, prechopped veggies at grocery store, etc, but the things that have helped me eat more at home are: chop veggies and make sauces on Sunday, freeze chicken tenders in amounts needed for one meal so it's quicker to thaw or can be stuck in the oven mostly frozen if you forgot to thaw in time, use pork coins because they are fast to cook, batch cook taco meat and meatballs. Another time saver is to invest in a countertop oven, as it heats up very quickly and reduces amount of time needed to cook. If I'm too tired to go grocery shopping, I do ClickList at Fry's or Walmart pickup to make sure I have groceries. I also bought an extra chef's knife (by the way, a good quality knife is KEY to saving time and making you not mind chopping food for week - can get a great quality Wusthof knife on eBay for $60) and cutting board so my husband can help me. It makes the process more enjoyable, go by faster, and saves me energy because it's half the work. Once a plan is in place and all the hard work is done, my husband can start up dinner before I come home if I get home late. A big problem for us is he used to always say he didn't know what to do, but having everything prepared in advance and eating familiar meals helps with that issue. Honestly, if we do this prep work in advance, I can say it's less stressful and more relaxing to be able to eat at home. And my weight and budget is happy about it too.

[@TheMinimalMom]

This is really encouraging Stephanie! THANK YOU for sharing!

[@mariakt2470]

So, after your video on how to drink more water, I experimented & discovered that if I refill my water bottle the night before, I finished the first one before lunch (sometimes before breakfast). Then I added prepping a pre breakfast snack (I’m pregnant & wake up starving these last few weeks) and leaving it beside my water bottle. That turned into prepping the tea and breakfast. Writing it out, it seems like a lot but somehow it’s so much easier and it quickly became my new habit! And now you’ve got me think about how I can prep or at least plan the next days supper too! Im looking forward to more tips & tricks! Can’t wait for your next video.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Wow! Way to go! This is so awesome to hear!!!! :)

[@Marissathered]

I'm obsessed with your channel!!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!!

[@ashleymcginness1643]

I am in LOVE with your kitchen! Your videos have been so helpful. Thank you for all that you do! I love the simple idea that getting rid of the excess will hold me accountable to keep the dishes clean!

[@nanasblessings]

Great video and tips. I agree all the way down the line. Getting your children involved helps create a 'team' or 'tribe' mentality. They need to know they are an important, contributing member of the team. Their effort is needed and appreciated and missed when they aren't there to contribute. Play is how children learn. Play cooking, play at being mommy and daddy, play teacher...but at some point they need to do real things. Letting them contribute to the running of the house is as necessary to their development and growing up as going to school. More so in my opinion. True story: I worked in fast food for years. Teens would come to work for the summer and I would tell them now you can go wipe down tables, sweep the floors, mop the floor, whatever. You might be surprised at how many didn't know how to hold a broom, or use a cloth to wipe a table. Enough of my ramble. You and Tom are doing a great job with your children and you are bringing light and good sense to your viewers.

[@Dwynfal]

I'm single and enjoy cooking but didn't enjoy the time it took out of my busy days and hated the cleanup! I've recently started keto and intermittent fasting (my eating window is 12-4pm), so I have to eat all my food at work! My instantpot has been my saviour as I just set it up and walk away! I grocery shop and batch cook on Saturday and Wednesday (I work from home that day), some meals to freeze, some kept in the fridge for the next few days and prep basic ingredients to build from. Every evening I put my dirty containers in the dishwasher, feed the dogs and put together my food for the next day, that's 15 minutes top! Kitchen stays clean, I'm not rushing in the morning and since I make multiple servings at once I save money and have more variety in my diet too! I pull a couple of meals from the freezer each time so I don't eat the same stuff over and over. Now I have one to two hours in the kitchen twice a week (prep, cook, clean). Love it!

[@auntpurl5325]

I wish I had followed these ideas before my kids became teens. It's much harder to turn that ship around when they're grown. 😉

[@janconn1078]

Love all of your tips and am looking forward to more videos in this series. I am just getting back to cooking at home and enjoying it. Thank you Dawn for helping me do that!

[@TheMinimalMom]

I'm so glad to hear this Jan!!

[@JulesfromNorthfield]

Great tips Dawn! I have been using your meal planning sheet for three weeks now. It’s been working great, and we are eating out a lot less if not at all. Last week, I had been doing projects at home all day and really didn’t feel like cooking. We ended up getting a few pizzas for a good deal. I actually didn’t feel guilty for once because we have been eating at home so much. It used to be three times a week getting take out or going out because of poor planning. Turning a corner here! Yeah!

[@TheMinimalMom]

That's so good to hear Juliette!!! :)

[@angiejackson6905]

Meal planning and actually getting tips from that meal planning video really got me started (where you said to make the easy meals so you don't have to think), made out our list of regular meals and using your list as a guide and online grocery ordering. Simplifying my kitchen has helped to - all helpful tips toward eating at home more, which has been a goal for a while - and also able to stay within the budget doing this. I have always struggled with most of the things you address so a few of these changes have already helped tremendously toward eating at home more!! Thanks so much!!

[@Barbie62963]

My biggest obstacle for making supper was not having meat thawed. I put a bin in the refrigerator and starting taking 2 or 3 packs of meat out of the freezer to thaw in that bin. This way I have the meat ready to go when I get home. This has made cooking so much easier.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh that's a great idea Barbara!!

[@bethanyatkinson6944]

I am so excited for this series! This is exactly the learning curve I'm on right now, and I MAY be stalking KZbin for the foreseeable future waiting for your next videos LOL

[@TheMinimalMom]

Hahaha, thank you! I'll post the next video on this topic on Tuesday if that helps! 😉😘

[@annapower1833]

As usual - practical tips and motivation from Dawn! Thank you.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Anna!!

[@LadyOfRain1]

One trick I have found useful is to meal prep. It's not like freezer meals, which I have also done and liked (I know you mentioned before they aren't your thing), but I find meal prepping to take much less time and is more flexible. If you aren't familiar with it, meal prepping involves only prepping the components of meals so that you are set up for success. And usually involves a minimum of ingredients that can be mixed and matched into different meals throughout the week. Mind Over Munch, The Domestic Geek and Downshiftology are some channels with styles of meal prepping that I have used with success. They make sure to include things like breakfast options, lunches and snacks as well as the main meal. Which is important for me as I am a working Mom w/ 3 school aged children and a Hubby who works quite far from home. We need to be WELL organized to make family meal time happen and be able to eat it before bedtime!

[@01Paulsgirl]

Thank you, Dawn, for another excellent video! This one is especially relevant. One of the best things about your shows is, besides your practical advice, you always encourage family togetherness and value. God bless you all! Can't wait for the next one!

[@bkzification]

I'm so excited for the next few videos!

[@JenniferAMThomson]

Loved this video with the step by step approach. Thank you so much for this xx

[@bluesouthpaw6326]

Can't wait for this series! I need it so bad on this topic!

[@debbyconner1718]

I have dementia so I plan what I am going to cook the night before and when I am cleaning up the kitchen, I set out every thing that I need to cook that meal. that way I can see what I will be cooking the next evening and so does my husband and foster child. This helps them to know what they will be eating the next evening and there is no suprises

[@vsvizcarra]

We love salads and give us a fresh veggie with many of our meals. On my meal prep day (Mon) I wash and chop salad toppings and put them in separate containers. Things like purple cabbage, shredded carrots, califlower, broccoli. They last in the frig for our week and it's super easy to throw it together with prewashed lettuce/spinach mix or just chop up the lettuce you need day of.

[@DebbieGonzales823]

soooooo love this video. I used to loooove cooking for my boyfriend BEFORE we lived together and before I HAD to. Now it's mundane & exhausting to think about. I have to make a change because I know it doesn't have to be this way. Your tips are super helpful AS ALWAYS! One thing I HAVE done is simplified my kitchen and removed every single extra pot, pan and utensil. I have to work on a simplified meal plan and I JUST may begin using Instacart!

[@trutreats1267]

This is great..rwally looking f9ward to the next video..i just don't like cooking..i can do it and do it well. But it's just not my favorite..my kids are 13 and 16..but we a4e constantly on the go and of course everyone doesn't always want the same thing. And now just within the last cpl weeks my husband us now on 2nd shift for the foreseeable future, so it's all me.. he could start stuff in morning, so that could work..cause it would also be nice to have dinner for us(possibly on the go or quick) and have enough for him to have food for next night at work..looking forward to your ideas! I am working on my house due to your videos 💕 pantry/kitchen pretty much done and office 👍

[@amydillardGypsySoul]

Oh I need this! Can't wait to watch the rest of this series. Thanks!

[@mariemcmahel8618]

Love your videos. For me I haven't been eating out at all for months. It's easy for me. It's just not in the budget but I'm ok with it. I look forward to the upcoming videos you mentioned. I have an instant pot and love it but don't cook meals in it YET. I use it for hard boiled eggs, rice and steaming veggies.

[@lvlc5]

We all ate at different times. For the padt two weeks unintrntionally we've been eating at the table. We have really enjoyed it and I can testify that it works to wanting to cook at home just by longing that family time... 🤩

[@TheMinimalMom]

That's really cool to hear Leyda!!!

[@elliepeeps5461]

Can’t wait for the next videos and would love to see recipe videos 😊.

[@tallieallen397]

Thank you! I need this series!

[@BigSmashKing]

Oh! Please keep the videos coming!!!! So inspiring

[@julessimplelife]

Great video, looking forward to the tips!

[@LG777.mother]

I lost count how many of your videos I beings watched already ...but i find cooking so stressful I even avoided the cooking videos 🤣🤣🤣🤣 the irony 🤦🏻‍♀️ anyways... here I am 🙏🏽♥️🌻.... LOVE all the videos! The binges will continue ❤️🙏🏽

[@andreagorham1985]

Dawn, excellent video! So many young moms need to know this. When my kids were young it was a struggle :-) but it all starts with meal planning. Yes I want to learn more about how to use my instant pot. I got one for Christmas and I thought I would use it all the time, but I hardly ever use it so looking forward to that video! You are so inspiring I love your videos!

[@SpurlockCassie]

So excited about this series!!

[@kathycathy9555]

I definitely want to see your future videos you have planned. And the instant pot, for sure

[@tinak6776]

Looking forward to this series.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Tina!! :)

[@emilyhobbs5896]

Looking forward to the Instant pot video! We struggle with meal planning and food waste, so constantly fine tuning meal planning.

[@ACommonLife]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@stephanietravis4215]

Love this. So motivated!!!

[@NdnUrbanCat]

So so helpful. Thank you!

[@lisakrushinski9436]

You are a blessing! 💜

[@mbbee83]

I make the week's meals get easier each day. I'm typically more motivated on Sunday & Monday so I'll make a bigger, more involved meal those days and the rest of the week can then be leftovers or something simple like frozen ravioli and a bag salad kit. We typically eat with family on Friday and out on Saturday so by Sunday we feel ready to cook again.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! That is a great point! I've noticed that I do that, too!

[@ericagoehring1089]

This is so helpful! I really struggle with this!

[@deniselogeot3784]

So excited for your future videos!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Denise!!

[@amandalashley3819]

it's funny that you mentioned a two week meal rotation because I just started working on one yesterday, but it's more to plan my groceries list so I know approximately how much I'm spending each week. I used to spend about the same every week but recently I started making a point of buying mostly one ingredient foods so now it seems like I'm averaging about $20-$30 more a week so now I'm really taking a hard look at our grocery staples to see where I can trim things up a little.

[@TheMinimalMom]

That's awesome that you're moving towards one ingredient foods! The cost can be a little bit of a deterrent, but definitely worth it!!! :)

[@heatherbenza5185]

Yes I need on the go and instant pot meals!

[@spinnyjb1]

My favorite tips.... make a meal plan and grocery list on Sunday night. Using grocery pick up has been awesome. So much easier to stay on budget. Prep ahead as much as I can on the weekend- chopping and stuff. Make big batches of soup and chili and put a few servings in the freezer in individual containers so if something unforeseen happens we have something to grab. And when I’m realllly not it the mood it’s breakfast-for-dinner. They think I’m a hero and i don’t really feel like I’m “cooking”. My kids are older and come and go at weird times because of sports and activities and class schedules so I just always try and have things in the fridge that can easily be reheated. The number one thing my grandma taught me was clean as you go. Don’t leave a big pile of dishes and spices and things sitting out until after dinner. While things are simmering or baking or whatever wash up a few things, load the dishwasher and put things away. :) I still don’t LOVE cooking but I get it done ;)

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! Love the clean as you go!! :)

[@shaanagray1522]

You’re doing a great job motivating & inspiring & educating your viewers! Keep up the good work! I think we would be friends in real life 😊

[@snoopdog3771]

Love your channel 💖

[@gettintherejanice6216]

today is a change in seasons for my little family I worked a full time job training program and will have a season of part time and not working. I knew ahead of time that this change would hit very closely with my oldests birthday and have really been thinking of her birthday and birthdays in general as season changing opertunities and milestones. I have been priming her for a new rotinue. but more specifically related to your video working full time plus commuting via bus and putting my kids in daycare 10 hours a day when they are at an age where they need 12 hours of sleep at night. we have not been eating right. I have loved insta cart but as i will be going back to food stamps until i can find perment employment I will have to reestablish a shoping rotine and because my health has been in a very unfortunit place. and I am seriously contemplating going on the gaps protecal which is a very strict gut healing diet. that has a very slow intro it is 100 percent scratch cooking its not just food types but exactly how they are prepared. I don't know if I have the strength to deal with back lash of feeding the kids what I would be eating and since they will still be going to daycare while I look for work and eating they do not even eat the bulk of their meals at home I am going to have to come up with a seprate plan for them that works and I am hoping to get a system in place so I can be prepared to start work back close to full time. I know right now I am not in a season where full time is what is best for my family long term it was they way we needed to do things but I want to cook and eat real food

[@monicabryant4435]

Having ingredients on hand for the quick meals from your meal printable really saves us-if we’ve had a busy day, it keeps us from running out to grab fast food and it’s definitely healthier because we can eat up the fresh produce in the fridge as the “sides” to chicken nuggets/hot dogs, etc. instead of eating the French fries that usually come with fast food meals.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes, amen!!! :)

[@marinaking2431]

I really struggled with dinner at home I'll start earlier in the day as you suggested.

[@sherryskinner855]

I am so excited for this series! I struggle to get dinner each day due to working full-time and kid's activities after school. Next school year will be worse with leaving the house around 4:30 or 5:00, then getting home around 9:00pm. I cannot afford to eat out as much as I do. My mind is exhausted to the point I cannot think of anything to cook.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh my! Those are LONG days!!! :)

[@keetz8490]

Instapot tips?? Yes please!!!!

[@samanthaquant7411]

I have a 1 1/2 year old and am currently overdue with #2. She has a sixth sense about me starting to make supper. I swear she can tell from the other room and immediately becomes needy! (I’m half kidding, but only half!) So I, like you, have to start prepping everything I can during her nap time or in the snatches of moments when she’s keeping herself busy or eating in her high chair. The other thing I’ve found that helps is just to pull her high chair right up next to me while I’m prepping the food at the counter. I think part of what she wants is just to see what’s going on up there!

[@samanthaquant7411]

Also, I just started using your meal prepping spreadsheet but I’m still tweaking it. I think your Aldi must be set up slightly differently than mine. The things in “aisle 1” and “aisle 2” are different

[@bethlewis9981]

My sister used to refer to the time when she made dinner as the "arsenic hour" as that was what she most wanted to prepare at that time!!. Everyone is tired and hungry and everyone wants Moms attention. More than a few times she put the baby in a carrier on her back on a sling on the front and rocked her way through dinner prep. The high chair is a great idea too!

[@LivetolearnMama]

We use a learning tower for my littles to see (and "help") when I'm in the kitchen. There are lots of them for sale on Amazon or diy tutorials. Best investment for my own sanity.

[@lethiapage4767]

This looks like it will be a very useful set of videos and I'm looking forward to it! I watched one of your other videos where you made mention that you don't keep a lot of food around, as in super high inventory of groceries. I have a really hard time with this and I wonder if you can address the balance between being prepared and creating decision fatigue for yourself. I consider myself a minimalist in many other ways but I am easily seduced when food shopping and always have lots on hand. I also consider myself creative and enjoy cooking! I am a household of one so I haven't ever felt the need to meal plan, and also its an area where I can be easily defeated when I dont stick to it. I do like having a set of versatile things that mix and match so i don't have a problem with relying on that spark of inspiration to whip up something on the fly! I know that is not how many people are wired. Can you help?

[@MsK_in_CA]

I saw you referenced in Tiffanyferg’s new video. I haven’t finished watching it yet but wanted to let you know.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh that's cool, thanks for letting me know! I'll go check it out!!! :)

[@sandytoes3373]

Stayed home for 18 years and homeschooling and I struggled with dinners. But now working full time- we don’t eat!😑