For This House
Every Season. Every Space. All for Him.
Every Season. Every Space. All for Him.
As the primary chef in our household, I’ve learned that consistent home cooking comes with its ebbs and flows.
When I follow certain rhythms and habits, meal preparation becomes a source of joy rather than stress. Without this structure, we often find ourselves breaking our budget with takeout or relying too heavily on processed foods.
Here are the tried-and-true strategies I have found helpful for maintaining a sustainable cooking routine:
Work less and eat more by cooking once and eating (at least) twice. Don’t hesitate to save half of that pasta bake in the freezer for next week’s dinner, or even double the recipe to do the same. Leftovers aren’t just convenient—they’re smart kitchen economics.
Dedicate time each week to meal planning and list making. I like to jot down our plans for the week first, then look over the weekly schedule and check the weather (because who wants soup on a hot day?) to plan meals accordingly.
It sounds like a lot to take into account when meal planning, but it will increase the success of following through with your meal plan tenfold.
When you make your meal plan and grocery list, make sure to use up what you already have! Check your freezer, the pantry, and those forgotten corners where food items hide. Get creative with substitutions in flexible recipes—it’s good for both your wallet and the planet.
Lean into predictable patterns in your weekly menu. Whether it’s Pizza Saturdays or Taco Tuesdays, these anchor points simplify planning and create cherished family traditions.
In our home, fall and winter Saturdays mean baked potatoes and chili, while Sunday lunch is always soup after church. We keep weekday breakfast simple with prepared and reheated egg casseroles or oatmeal bakes, saving special breakfast treats for the weekends.
Lean into seasonal traditions and allow them room to evolve with your family as time passes, palettes grow, and needs change.
Focus on whole foods and uncomplicated cooking methods like sheet pan meals. These typically require fewer ingredients and less prep time than more complicated or processed alternatives, plus they leave us feeling energized rather than sluggish.
Instead of shooing your kids out of the kitchen, invite them into the cooking process. My almost two-year-old helps me by adding ingredients to bowls, setting the table, washing produce, and emptying the dishwasher. Yes, it takes a bit longer with his help, but it transforms what could be challenging moments (have you ever cooked with a toddler glued to your ankles?) into opportunities for connection and learning.
None of your meals need to be Pinterest-perfect or Instagram-worthy. Success is measured by full bellies, (mostly) happy faces, and fellowship around the table, not picture-perfect plating. And if you’re the cook who always forgets the garlic bread burning in the oven, there’s grace for you too.
Consider utilizing grocery pick-up services to save time and reduce impulse purchases. Without store distractions, you can stick to your list and budget while redirecting that energy toward meal prep. I fill my shopping cart immediately after I finish meal planning for the week. The time I would’ve spent shopping for and loading groceries can now be used to prep food for the week instead!
Have a repertoire of quick meals with basic ingredients for hectic days. Think: breakfast for dinner, quesadillas, and sandwiches. These are all nutritious and take less than 15 minutes to prepare.
Remember, these guidelines are just a starting point. The key is finding rhythms that work for your family’s unique needs and schedule. Let these suggestions inspire you to create your own sustainable cooking routine.
Dear Lord,
As I serve my family and others through meal preparation, remind me that my work goes beyond a simple service.
Give me patience as I guide little helping hands, wisdom to feed both bodies and souls, and perspective to value simple traditions over perfection.
Above all, help me keep You at the center of our daily rhythms.
Amen
Ally is the primary founder of For This House. She just finished renovating a cute, old house in small town Washington where she lives with her husband and young son. Ally is a teacher by trade, but also enjoys library cookbooks and watching Downton Abbey. Learn more about Ally.