This post is sponsored by ConAgra, Danone, Amy's Kitchen, and Good Food Made Simple®. All opinions are my own.

The hub of the household truly is the kitchen. Essentially we meet there at least 3 times a day, spending more than half our day at the counter or table. In the kitchen, there are ALWAYS too many cooks. Different schedules, tastes, needs - throw in a demanding toddler and you have a full-time job. With everyone gathering for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in-between I thought it would be a great job to share some of the ways I keep from kitchen burnout!

Every Sunday night I plan 2-3 dinners for the week. Then I structure my grocery list accordingly. That way it leaves room for spontaneous plans, and ordering dinner on a night where I just can’t take it anymore! But I at least have ingredients for 2-3 complete meals. That way it cuts down on waste, random store trips, and having to think too hard about dinner.

Another thing I like to do is see if the dinners and lunches can play off of one another. For example, can one night’s roast chicken be tomorrows chicken salad lunch? Or can I make baked ziti one night and have ricotta leftover for ricotta pancakes? This helps save a bit of money as well. 

Now let’s break down the day in the kitchen. Mornings can be tough because everyone is just trying to get moving and organized for the day. I am also half asleep for the first half hour haha! Having options that do not require a huge kitchen clean-up is helpful. Also, I love when products pull double duty for me. For example, the Good Food Made Simple® French Toast. It has oats and ancient grains, along with 40 grams of whole grains per serving. Not only is it breakfast but it helping check off whole grain servings.

Lunchtime and snack time seem to run into each other very easily. I try my best to have a place where Siena can choose from. Whether it is a small Tupperware in the fridge with 2 or 3 things pre-cut for her like apples, strawberries or carrots. That way she can feel like she has a choice, but they are all approved by mom. Maybe I will throw a yogurt or peanut butter bar in the mix as well. Usually what she doesn’t eat for snack I incorporate into her lunch.

For Brian and I sometimes we are eating in-between zoom calls (or muting one to grab something!). I am eating quick after putting Siena down for a nap. Having delicious and satisfying options that are ready to go are so helpful. Options like Good Food Made Simple® Cauliflower Kung Pao is one my favorites. It is a bit spicy and flavorful, and I get in my veggies, which are non-GMO. Brian is a fan of the new Marie Callender’s Plant-Based Chick’n Pot Pie made with Gardein Plant Based Chick’n. The crust is made from scratch - it's flaky and full of carrots, celery, and peas. It is also a great option for when he comes home hungry from a soccer game and the kitchen is CLOSED!

For Dinners, there are nights that are super planned and others where my world runs late. First off, you have to realize that is OKAY, and it is going to happen. Some nights you are going to have an hour before dinner, others its 15/20 minutes in-between things. That is why I like to have our schedules written out on a white board. That way I can always see the moving parts real time, and work my day accordingly. On nights when time is tight I love having Amy’s Cheese Veggie Crust Pizza on hand. The crust is made with organic cauliflower, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. The only problem is, we are always fighting over the last piece! Another family favorite is Amy’s Mac and 3 Cheese with Cauliflower bowl. The best part is the cheese sauce which does NOT come from a powder, which makes a huge difference. It is also a good dish to have around when you have company and someone is gluten-free. This can be ready in a pinch and it is oh so good!

Then at the end of the day, after I have successfully put Siena to bed it is my time. Whether I am going to fold laundry, work at my computer, or just watch tv it always comes with encouragement. For me, it is in the form of So Delicious® Dairy-Free Salted Caramel Bars. Dipped in chocolate, and super creamy. I always smile to myself at the first bite!

The best part is I can find these items at my local Walmart Store.  Being able to check off my list at one store is such a time saver. They also offer curbside options as well, which is super convenient. In addition to, having the best prices on the products my family uses the most, is another huge win.