When I took a poll on my private Facebook page this was one of the most repeated requests for the Real Life lesson series. I was surprised a little but after thinking about it I understood why. We are a drive through generation. But when you are out on your own for the first time, eating out can REALLY drain your pocket book FAST.

Mom’s are you doing your job?

Are your kids ready for "real life?" Prepare them with the lessons in this 10 day series! Plus there are 24 other mom's contributing to the Tips for Homeschool Moms series! Check it out!- DaytoDayAdventures.com

One of the big things I do when my kids hit their teens is to start them helping to prepare food in the kitchen.

More than PB&J.

Sure they’ve been doing dishes and helping with clean up for years but to actually put them in the kitchen to be responsible for a whole meal?

That takes being intentional and more “teaching” than we might think we have time for.

It is a HUGE blessing if we empower our children to know what is healthy, cheap and fast when it comes to fixing meals. We must as parents make this a priority. I've listed some ideas below but I'm sure you have great meals that you fix in your home. Make sure that your kids know how to make those meals both for your family and how to adapt them for a smaller batch!

Healthy eating debate

I am not going to get into a debate what is or is not considered healthy eating. But it should be a given that if we take care of our bodies while they are healthy then it saves money in the long run. The reason? Fewer doctor bills, less missed work and fewer drugs to buy.

Healthy Eating ideas when you are broke or in school

Quick inexpensive meals that are great for small families or college students!

Pancakes
Yogurt, fruit, granola
Homemade breakfast burritos***
Smoothies with a healthy muffin
Eggs-boiled, scrambled, fried etc with a healthy muffin or toast
Tacos*** or Taco Salad
Sloppy Joes***
Fajitas
Stir-fry vegetables, meat and rice
Sandwiches plus fruit or veggies
Salad w/ grilled or baked chicken
Quesidillas***
Hamburgers
Chili***
Baked Potatoes w/ toppings
Tuna Salad

***make a large batch and freeze for later

But sometimes meals are about convenience and how quick it can be on the table. I totally get that. Life gets busy especially for moms and students.

My two secret weapons

Slow Cooker

My slow cooker is my underpaid but highly praised time saver.

This post on how to keep my kitchen cool in the summer with a slow cooker gives some ideas for easy meals in the slow cooker.

Go check it out. I'll be here when you get back.

My next secret weapon is not a meal.

Meal Planner

But it has EVERYthing to do with staying sane and knowing what is for dinner. I admit that this week we don't have a meal plan. And I am SO regretting it. Our lives are more chaotic and I have WAY more stress because I don't know what we are eating each day.

Do you have a meal planner that you use? If not I would love for you to use mine. Just fill out the form below and you will get a .pdf that has a 1 week or 2 week planner. Try it out and let me know how you like it!

Hints and tips for meal planning

Print out the planner you just downloaded ;)
Write down 10-15 of your favorite meals including breakfast.(use the list above)
Think about your appointments and activities that are in the next two weeks. Cross out any meals that you know you won't be home to eat. Also any days you won't have time for any cooking--plan a slow cooker meal so it's ready when you are ready.
Fill in dinners first. Do it for 2 weeks. Now you have a plan for the whole month. Just repeat the menu after you get all the way through it. In fact you can just use this menu over and over if you want. Of course if you like variety you can change it next month.
Notice there's a spot for snacks. That's because I need to eat every 3 hours and if I plan it I don't make bad choices. Even if it just says fruit--then I know what to grab!

Simple Healthy Menu for 1 or a few

My original printable for today was going to be a simple healthy menu for 1(or a few) but it was a bigger job than I though and it isn't quite ready) I will be sending it out mid to late August. It is a 2 week menu full of simple cheap meals. Some will be freezer meals so you can do some batch cooking and save time too!

WARNING: These will meals that you can’t buy in a box so they will cost you less.

Like that don’t you? Also there will be a grocery list plus recipes so you can print it all out. I didn't mention it in Real life lesson #3 / Money doesn't grow on trees but NOT eating out all the time will save you money! Cook at home. It's cheaper!

This is the fifth day of the 10 day series of Tips for Homeschool Moms. (If you aren't a homeschooler don't click away!!! MANY of these topics will apply all moms!)

10 days of real life lessons NOT learned in school

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Also don't miss the posts on these topics--24 other bloggers are contributing to the series!