Do you come home from work and wonder what you are going to have for dinner?

Do you ever find yourself in this situation? You have just come home from a long day, and it’s late. You are too tired to cook but know that you need some nutrition. You immediately think of something healthy, but that would be too much work. So, you call for delivery or have a bowl of cereal instead. All of which is quickly proceeded by you chilling out on the couch. Well, guess what? Meal prepping could have prevented this situation.

Everyone has to have a grocery day, and when that day comes, have your menu for that week figured out before you go. Plan at least 3-4 nights if you can. This will help you to spend more time with your family, save money, not eating take out, and encourage healthier eating habits.

On my busy days, I tend to choose to make a crockpot meal. Prep it the night before or in the morning. Like today, I have a pork roast cooking in my crockpot and will serve whole grain garlic rice on the side. I got fresh corn and peaches out of my freezer that I harvested in the summer, and bam, dinner is ready! I come home to our house smelling absolutely amazing, get more time with my family, and a pretty well-balanced dinner. It always feels good to know what you are having each night for dinner ahead of time.

I also planned on Chicken Pot Pie muffin cups and Creamy Potato Soup with Ham and Cheese sliders for this week too. Guys, it doesn’t have to be hard.

Plus, you figure one night you get a leftover night too.

Hot dogs, tacos, grilled chicken, any kind of roast, pasta dishes, or casserole. I mean, you can go from as simple as the hot dog to a meat and potatoes meal. You know your week. You plan it as you see fit. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but it doesn’t need to be fancy. Being around the table, with a hot sandwich, chips, and fresh fruit or steak, baked potato, corn on the cob, and homemade rolls is the same as long as you are with family! That is what is most important — just being together.

My kids get excited about certain things I make, of course, but you will never show up to our house where we aren’t enjoying each other’s company around the table. It doesn’t matter what we have; it’s about being together.

So, when you are thinking about tomorrow or next week, don’t make it hard. Make it about togetherness. Being prepared always makes you feel good, and a delicious meal ready after a hard day’s work is just the ticket. Meal planning is the way to go!

Creamy Potato Pork Chop Bake

• 1 Tbsp. veggie oil
• 4 to 6 pork chops
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pkg of frozen shredded hash browns potatoes
• 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups French Fried Onions

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops and sauté until browned. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towel. In a medium bowl mix together soup, milk, sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir in potatoes, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and 1 cup onions. Mix well and place on bottom of pan. Put pork chops on top of mixture. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes with foil over top. Once baked, top with remaining cheese and onions; bake for another 5 minutes.