4 tricks to simplify
lunch preparation

Preparing family meals can actually be fun! All you need is a little creativity and a good plan so that this daily task transforms into a happy ritual that you won't want to miss. Here, we give you a few tricks to get there without a hitch!

Plan your meals ahead

The first step of lunch preparation is without a doubt the planning. By thinking first of your meals for the week, you'll be able to do your grocery shopping with a detailed list that will save you both time and money. Speaking of grocery lists, don't forget to consult our weekly flyer to take advantage of our sales.

If your daily challenge is to prepare lunches that will please everyone in the family, writing out a menu in advance can help you make them happy. You can plan to use certain items that can be used more than once in different meals throughout the week. For example, with macaroni, cheese, bread and ham, you can make a few sandwiches, grilled-cheeses, and a ham and cheese macaroni.

Need more tricks to better plan meals that are both healthy and inexpensive? Try out these ideas.

Keep it simple

In the kitchen, there's no need to complicate something that can be made easy. At first, preparing your lunches ahead will demand a bit of organization. You have to then think of a simple menu so as to not burden yourself even more. Throughout the weeks, once you become comfortable with this new routine, you'll be able to add a few culinary challenges!

Sandwiches or wrap made with eggs or cold cuts
Pasta and vegetable salads
Bean salads and your choice of vegetables
"Poke bowls" with homemade dressing

Go for a meal that can be prepared the night before. This will make it so much easier once the morning comes. If you are on the hunt for supper ideas and simple snacks that are healthy and inexpensive, we propose 4 easy tortilla sandwich ideas and 4 simple lunch box snack ideas.

Cook for the future

You can also cook more elaborate meals on Sunday and freeze them in individual portions (ideal for lunch!) or keep a few portions for the rest of the week. You will only have to thaw the meal the night before, and, before you know it, it will be ready to go with you to school or work.

You can do the same thing on weeknights. All you have to do is cook a few more portions to make sure there will be leftovers. For example, if you made pesto pasta for supper, you can cook more pasta than usual and make a salad for lunch by adding a few vegetables and a dressing!

Think about your slow cooker

If cooking on a Sunday doesn't fit into your schedule, slow cookers can definitely help you out. Many simple and delicious slow cooker recipes can be prepared quickly in the morning before going to work. Come evening, you'll have your supper and lunch for the next day! If you don't have access to a microwave at school or at work, all you have to do is use a thermos to keep your meal nice and hot.

Don't hesitate to use all the members of your family in the process. From the planning to the kitchen, team work makes the dream work. Like that, everyone is happy, including the person preparing the lunches!

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