New nursing student mom

[perfectohno]

Hello all!

So I start the nursing program the second week of Janurary and am working a list of meals to prepare. Any suggestions or tips for feeding the family while keeping some sanity with studying? I was already thinking about some crock pot meals and casserole dishes that may be quicker. And using one of the weekend mornings to prep all the ingredients that need it for the upcoming week. Obviously these are theoretical as I haven't practiced yet. So how did some of you mom's out there manage with the meals? Thank you all in advance for the advice!

[AliNajaCat]

Oh, yeah, pot pies. Get a pile of little tinfoil pie plates, cut up a chicken or a turkey, mix in a bag or two of frozen peas and carrots and enough gravy to make it just right. Top with mashed potatoes or bought pastry and freeze in individual ziplock freezer bags. Perfect in the toaster or regular oven-- when the top's browned, they're done.

[chippinaway]

I have this problem too, mom of 2 boys ages almost-3 and 4. Worst part is they are so picky that our meals for them are pretty predictable and easy to freeze (huge batch of pancakes or waffles, freeze, and pull out a few at a time to the toaster on weekdays- easy to do on a weekend morning) Canned goods are a staple, canned beans, canned tomatoes, canned fruit, tuna, all can make a quick pretty healthy meal. My husband makes an awesome pasta sauce with canned tomatoes, fresh peppers, onions, and spices, plus whatever sausage I found on sale. A big stock pot freezes well into freezer bags and thaw quick for sauce and noodles any night of the week. I use a lot of leftovers too, like we'll make steak some night, I take the meat left over and bones, boil down and add barley and potatoes, makes a nice beef and barley soup. I freeze that and take it for lunch at school, beats the 5.50 salads they sell there!

[ChristiHamm8, CNA]

YouTube and Pinterest! Do some freezer meals where you take a lot of stuff and portion it out on Sundays then add the seasonings and such and freeze it. When you want it just dump in the crock pot turn it on and by dinner time you just microwave some sides, minute rice, or noodles and bam fully home cooked meal every night of the week.

I have invested in a Sams Club membership and purchase in bulk. I also cook extra a few times a week so we have leftovers. I like ShesInHerApron on youtube.

I like spaghetti too. I always cook too much so the next day I take the leftovers and add more cheese and bake it to a spaghetti pie.

[emily34812]

Not a mom, but I nursing student that works a full time job on the side. I find that crock pot soups and casseroles and lasagnas can be your BFF as you can make them in larger quantities then freeze/refrigerate them and defrost during the week. Another good option are frozen veggies like those that are in the steamer bags. Another quick meal that reheats pretty well are lasagna rollups. I LOVE them and they are super yummy and can be made with tons of different ingredients. Meal prepping/planning is your friend and totally takes the pressure off.

[perfectohno]

Everyone, thank you so much for all your input. I feel a little better about getting food arranged while going through the program. I start my orientation Monday then we start diving in! Thanks again and best of luck to all already in or starting soon :)