Episode 40: Meal Planning Plans

Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy: The Podcast

Megan and Wendy are already making good on last week's back-to-school goals. Listen in as they talk about their meal planning plans, real-life struggles, and suggestions on getting everyone fed. Plus, wedding shower gifts, more sorority hazing movie talk and why Megan is worried about her upcoming birthday plans. Catch up on last week's episode here. Email the show anytime [e-mail]. Why does everyone need to eat every single night? Megan and Wendy share their meal planning plans, real-life struggles getting dinner on the table and solutions to get your family fed. Mentioned in Episode 40 Follow us on Instagram and join our private Facebook group.Current Weight Watchers system.Dying to Belong is available to stream via Hoopla which can be accessed through some libraries. Megan suggested we review the upcoming 2021 version of Dying to Belong (starring Shannen Doherty) for a bonus episode. What do you think?How to pronounce Shannen Doherty. Why Megan shouldn't shove those sad feelings down so deep (and neither should you) via Time.com100% disagree with this article on why you shouldn't open gifts at parties via Popsugar.comMartha Stewart's thoughts on opening gifts at a wedding shower. Wendy wishes should could have registered for this: GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice MakerCrate & Barrel oven mitts are always a great gift - everyone needs them! Pros and cons of having a laundry room upstairs.Two years worth of pandemic birthdays via Washington Post. Meal Planning Plans Talking about our respective meal plans was harder than imagined. When we started laying out the notes for this episode, we found that we have different struggles within our families when it comes to getting dinner on the table. Here's a brief breakdown of Megan's meal planning process: Remind yourself of the goal: food in stomachs. End of story.Shortcuts are fine, semi-homemade meals are fine.Make a list of go-to meals and crowd pleasing meals - and keep that list in your notes on your phone.Basic meals are ok: pasta, red sauce, Alfredo sauce, Trader Joe's Orange Chicken, frozen garlic bread. Remember the goal.Decide if there is one night (or five nights, like Wendy) that you plan on ordering out.Decide if you want to meal plan for one week, one month or more. September Meal Plan - includes links to some of Megan's fave go-to meals.October Meal Plan - family friendly meals.Add potential conflicts to your calendar (sports, extracurriculars, meetings, etc.)Look what you have on-hand already (fridge, freezer and pantry) and build from there.Must have pantry staplesFactor in leftovers, "snacky" dinners and even cereal. Some of Wendy's struggles when it comes to feeding her family. What to do when everyone has different likes/dislikes? Tips on how to handle different eating styles.Advice on getting picky teens to eat via Real Mom Nutrition.Decision fatigue is real, even when it comes to meal planning. Meal Helps to Consider Meal delivery kits like Home ChefSee some of Wendy's favorite Home Chef recipes.eMeals - meal planning with grocery delivery/pickup integrationSee our 2019 video review of eMeals! We're fans.Pinterest See our "Weeknight Dinners" board. Megan and Wendy Approved! Milani Most Wanted Eye Shadow Palette in Partner in Crime ($9.99)Drift car air freshener