How to Meal Plan When You’re a Busy Mom

I’ve worked from home for several years now and recently went to work full time OUTSIDE the home. The hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It’s about a 15-minute drive to and from. When I got home and started dinner, we wouldn’t have eaten until 6 p.m.

Some of you may think that’s early, and some are super late. We have always been about 4:30- 5 p.m. in the past, primarily because of my husband’s work schedule. I realized how it started to feel impossible to meal plan and cook working 40 hours.

What’s a woman to do? Take the shortcuts.

If you have a very tight budget, you’ll want to scoot over and read this post instead. I always want to get the best deal on everything, and I know that cooking from scratch and meal planning are huge money savers when it comes to your monthly grocery budget. But in my 39th year of living, I know the burnout of making everything from scratch, the kids now teens and able to feed themselves, and the crazy schedule around sports and after-school activities.

You need simple, easy meals. Of course, you can plan a couple of crockpot meals for the week and use the leftovers for another dish.

You could see what used to be super popular when my girls were toddlers: the freezer meal plans ( where you batch cook a bunch of meals and then pop them in the freezer). I was never a fan because I thought they never tasted that great, and it was SO much work to prep them; I was better off making them from scratch.

I’ve done the cheap meals and the Free for all Fridays, I feel like I’ve done it all.

After working and trying to balance everything in these crazy times of high grocery prices, I may have found the solution for busy working moms, and we are going to break down the cost because I think you, too, may realize it’s worth every penny.

During the pandemic, I tried about four meal delivery kits, and they were all okay- but the price always got me.

Now, shopping for groceries and knowing I still must prepare the meal plan kit seems worth it.

I’ve been using EveryPlate for a while now, and I can honestly share that it’s really helpful.

You don’t have to choose your meals if you don’t want to, which was very helpful when I started my new job. I was so exhausted mentally I couldn’t even think about what to make for dinner.

The guilt of not having dinner ready put me into a deeper spiral. When you first sign up for Everyplate, you can get meals for as low as $0.99/person, which is a steal because everything is being SHIPPED to you.

You don’t have to follow their recipes to a T, either. You can easily customize them to your family’s liking.

Then the price tends to go up a bit, and you may pay $1.49, then $2.49 up to $3.49 a person.

Usually, when it goes up to $3+, I pause/cancel the subscription. At that point, I’ve had a few week’s worth of a break, and I’m ready to get meal planning again.

Then they offer some really good comeback offers for those times when you are burnt out and need a break again.

Even knowing that it’s an option if we have a hectic week makes meal planning fun and bearable again.

If you have kids, they will enjoy trying new recipes and ideas. We discovered that many of the meals sounded and looked like something I wouldn’t usually make, but the seasonings and everything paired so well together that we all loved them.

To give you a little price breakdown, I’ve been buying my snacks at Aldi, BJ’s, or Costco.

I try to spend $80-$100 a week for snacks, cereal, and whatever we decide to take for lunch, which typically is some lunchmeat.

Then, I’ll do five meals for four people with Everyplate for about $80 weekly. When I first started and when you first start, too, you’ll most likely get boxes for as low as $40!

Now $40 for a family of FOUR to eat FIVE meals that’s a deal. Not buying a meal planner, then going to the store to get it all, and then coming home and finding the recipes. That’s $8 a meal at $2 a person. That’s about what you will pay these days for any beef or chicken meal. You may get away with a slightly cheaper price for pork.

If you go up to $80 for four people ( which does include a shipping charge of $10, so really think of it like $70), then you are paying $4 a person. It’s a bit pricey, but you need it when you are burnt out. And you don’t have the guilt of drive-thru food or premade frozen meals from the store.

You also get meal cards with this one, and I like that. One meal delivery kit I had required you to go on your phone to get the recipe, and that was too much for this geriatric millennial who also happens to work on her phone most of the day.

We need a screen break. Of course, I’m a blogger and know the ads can be a bit much, but that is how a blogger affords to keep on blogging. With the meal kits, you don’t have to worry about all the ads either, which I think becomes a lot for our minds to constantly be taking in.

I could go on and on about these meal kits, which have taken me a while to really fall in love with, but given the way grocery prices have gone up, this is making the most sense for working women.

Forget the cleaning lady. I’m all about the meals delivered, and I get to prepare and cook them.

If you cook everything without recipes and really cook on the fly, then you probably wouldn’t care for paying for this meal box. However, if you are always looking up recipes or want to try new meals, then meal planning like this is the way to go.

How Do Meal Delivery Kits Stack Up? A Comparison of EveryPlate, HelloFresh, and Blue Apron

When I started exploring meal delivery kits, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. It felt like EVERYONE was suddenly in the “we’ll mail you dinner ingredients” game.

Over time, I’ve tried a few and landed on one that works for me (EveryPlate), but here’s a quick rundown of how it compares to two other big names in the space: HelloFresh and Blue Apron. Spoiler? They each have their quirks, strengths, and, yes, minor annoyances.

1. EveryPlate

• Cost: This is EveryPlate’s biggest selling point. It’s often touted as one of the most affordable meal kits, starting as low as $4.99 per serving. If you’re new, you might snag a deal that gets the price way down to around $40 for your first box (five meals for four people).
• Variety: The menu is decent, though it can feel a little predictable. There’s a solid mix of comfort foods (think pasta bakes and burgers) and lighter options, but it might not wow you if you love adventurous flavors or need niche dietary options (vegan/low-carb people, this isn’t really your playground).
• Taste: Surprisingly good—better than you’d expect at this price. Simple, crowd-pleasing recipes with seasoning packets that take the guesswork out of making things flavorful.
• Convenience: Fantastic for busy weeks. The recipes are quick to follow, and the portions are straightforward. You don’t have to measure out six different spices for one dish because it’s all pre-portioned. (It’s the anti-chaos energy we all need sometimes.)
• Unique Features:
  • Budget-friendly pricing is a HUGE plus if you’re looking to dip your toe into meal kits without blowing your grocery budget.
  • Recipes can be easily customized or simplified—perfect if you’ve got picky eaters.

Cons:

• Limited upgrades—don’t expect many fancy premium meals or major customization options.
• Shipping is an extra $10, and when the subscription cost creeps up to $3+ per serving, it feels less “budget.”

2. HelloFresh

• Cost: HelloFresh’s standard plan costs around $8.99 per serving. However, new customers can take advantage of steep discounts on their first few boxes, so it’s worth trying if you’re curious. If you have Rakuten, you can also score an extra $30 back with your first meal!
• Variety: This is a highlight! They have a robust menu with more than 30 meals to choose from weekly and options for vegetarians, low-calorie eaters, or anyone fancying a spin around global cuisines like Moroccan or Korean-inspired dishes.
• Taste: A step above EveryPlate in terms of complexity. It’s not Michelin-star stuff, but it’s flavorful and feels slightly “fancier.” I had a rosemary chicken meal once that genuinely felt like restaurant quality.
• Convenience:
  • Recipes sometimes require more prep than EveryPlate, which can be a pain if you’re bone-tired after work.
  • The provided recipe cards are super clear, but a bit more chopping/sautéing/multi-step action is involved.
• Unique Features:
  • They offer many add-ons, such as garlic bread, desserts, or protein bundles (extra chicken or shrimp can be added to your order—great if you have big eaters in your house).
  • They offer family-friendly meal kits and oven-ready options for nights when you don’t want to touch your stove for one more second.

Cons:

• Pricey. Regular plans make it more comparable to eating out, especially if you’re feeding a family.
• Shipping is not included in the base price, so that’s another few bucks tacked on.

3. Blue Apron

• Cost: Blue Apron costs between EveryPlate and HelloFresh, at $7.49-$9.99 per serving, depending on your plan. Like the others, promo deals will score you a cheaper first box.
• Variety: Blue Apron takes the crown for creativity. Their menus are innovative, leaning heavily on global flavors and seasonal ingredients. Want to try something like za’atar chicken or bulgogi beef? Blue Apron will take you there.
• Taste: Delicious but fairly sophisticated. The meals can feel a little too fancy depending on your tastes (or your kids’). Fantastic if you’re the adventurous foodie type, but if your family thrives on chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, some dishes might miss the mark.
• Convenience:
  • Recipes lean toward “weekend energy” cooking, with an average prep time of 30-40 minutes. This is definitely not the fastest option.
  • The app is intuitive, and the ability to look up recipe-specific videos is helpful if you tend to second-guess yourself while cooking.
• Unique Features:
  • Wine pairing subscription (yes, I do want a pinot noir to go with that pesto gnocchi, thank you very much).
  • Wellness options for specific health goals like low-carb or low-calorie meals.

Cons:

• Prep-heavy recipes can be a hassle on busy nights.
• It’s one of the more premium-priced kits, so this is NOT the budget-friendly buddy that EveryPlate is.

Recap at a Glance

Service	Starting Cost (Per Serving)	Best For	Biggest Pro	Biggest Con
EveryPlate	$4.99	Budget-conscious families	Affordable and simple-to-cook meals	Limited menu options and fewer upgrades
HelloFresh	$8.99	Variety-seekers	Tons of easy-to-customize options for all preferences	Mid-tier price and longer prep on some recipes
Blue Apron	$7.49-$9.99	Adventurous food lovers	Creative, flavorful, global-inspired dishes	Steep cost and complex recipes for busy nights

Which Should You Try?

If cost is your biggest concern, EveryPlate is a safe bet—it checks the “good enough and easy” box and won’t drain your wallet. HelloFresh leans into family-friendly variety so it’s great for picky households or meal inspiration.

Lastly, Blue Apron is the kit for making dinners feel like date night (even on a Wednesday). Ultimately, it depends on how much you want to spend, how adventurous you are in the kitchen, and how much free time you have. And hey, no shame in cycling through all three to find your favorite!

6 First-Hand Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Meal Delivery Kit

When I started using meal kits, I wished someone had given me a few insider hacks to make the whole process even easier. Over time, I picked up some tricks that made meal kits work better for my family, schedule, and budget. If you’re new to these subscription boxes or just looking to streamline your experience, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

1. Personalize the Meals to Suit Your Taste

Don’t feel locked into the recipe exactly as it’s written. Use the kits as a base and tweak things to fit your family’s preferences. For instance, if a dish comes with a spice blend that’s a bit too bold for the kids (looking at you, smoky chili powder), reduce the amount or swap it with something milder from your pantry.

On the flip side, if your taste buds demand extra flavor, jazz it up with your own herbs, seasonings, or condiments. My husband loves hot sauce, so we always go heavier on the spice for his portions.

2. Double Up and Save Time

If a recipe is something your family loves—say, a creamy pasta dish or a hearty chili—consider doubling it. Use your own pantry staples to stretch the ingredients in the box and turn one meal into dinner and lunch leftovers.

For example, one time I added a can of black beans and a handful of frozen corn to a taco bowl recipe. It bulked it up, and I had lunch ready for the next day without any extra effort.

3. Plan Around the Recipes

Integrate the meal kit into your week strategically. Got a day packed with meetings or back-to-back soccer practices? Schedule the easiest recipe, like an oven-ready dish or pasta bake, for that night.

On weekends, try the slightly more time-intensive, experimental meals that make cooking feel fun (and not like a rushed chore). I like to sit down every Sunday and assign specific meals to weeknights based on how chaotic I expect each evening to be.

4. Combine Meal Kits with Grocery Store Staples

To make the kits more cost-effective, don’t rely on them to cover every single meal. Use a mix-and-match approach. For example, I rely on EveryPlate kits for dinners, but I fill in the gaps with sandwiches, salads, and easy-to-prep lunches made with items from Aldi. One genius trick is using leftovers creatively.

Did you get extra roasted veggies from a meal kit? Toss them into eggs for breakfast tacos. Leftover cooked chicken? It’s perfect for quesadillas or a quick Caesar salad the next day.

5. Pre-Prep When You’re Feeling Ambitious

If you know the week’s going to be hectic, spend a Sunday afternoon tackling some light prep work. For example, chop up the veggies for Monday and Tuesday’s recipes, marinate the proteins, or even pre-boil pasta for a dish later in the week.

Prepping ahead always makes midweek cooking faster and less stressful. There’s something so satisfying about breezing through a recipe because you’ve already done the “hard stuff.”

6. Take Advantage of Freezer-Friendly Meals

Not every kit is freezer-friendly, but if you find a recipe that freezes like a dream (soups, stews, casseroles, etc.), double the recipe and store half for later. There’s nothing better than stumbling upon a ready-to-use frozen meal when you’ve had one of those days. P

Personally, I’ve saved so many nights by freezing portions of pasta sauces or chili.

Quick tip: Label your freezer bags with the name and date—because you won’t remember what’s in there six months later!

Bonus Hack for the Budget-Conscious

Keep an eye on the subscription cost, and don’t hesitate to pause or cancel it for a few weeks. Use the downtime to revamp your meal plans or whip up those “tried-and-true” family favorites. The beauty of meal kits is that they’re flexible—you can pick them back up whenever life gets overwhelming again.

By using these tips, you won’t just save time and money, but you’ll also feel a little less stressed and way more in control of your mealtime hustle. Meal delivery kits can be a lifesaver, but they work even better when you make them your own!

Potential Drawbacks of Meal Delivery Kits (and How to Handle Them)

Meal delivery kits might feel like a game-changer—and for many of us, they are—but they’re not without drawbacks. After using meal kits for months and chatting with friends who’ve tried them too, I’ve picked up on a few common concerns. Here’s a closer look at those issues and some ideas to make these kits work even better for you.

1. Environmental Impact

One of the biggest gripes (and a valid one) is the packaging. The individual ingredient packets, insulation, ice packs, and boxes can add to much waste. Seeing the pile of packaging every week can make you wonder if the convenience is worth the environmental toll.

Solution:

• Many delivery services now offer recyclable or compostable packaging, so check your meal kit provider’s eco-friendly policies. Some services include detailed instructions on how to recycle their materials.
• Save and reuse any items you can—like ice packs for picnics or camping trips (you’ll be shocked at how useful these are once you have a small stash).
• If the waste becomes too much for you, try meal kits only during hectic weeks, and fall back on traditional grocery shopping—which tends to involve less packaging—at other times.

2. Lack of Meal Variety

While it’s fun to have someone else plan dinner, the menus can start to feel repetitive after a while. You might notice familiar recipes popping up, or if your family has picky eaters, the options might feel limited.

Solution:

• Rotate through different meal providers! It’s easy to pause one subscription and try another for a fresh batch of recipes. For example, switch between EveryPlate, HelloFresh, and Blue Apron if the menu fatigue hits.
• Consider supplementing the kits with your own add-ons. If a recipe feels “same old,” you can always adjust by adding side dishes, sauces, or toppings from your own pantry to spice things up (literally and figuratively).
• For families with specific dietary restrictions or adventurous tastes, meal kits may not have everything you need. Supplement your weekly meal plan with one or two homemade dishes to fill in the gaps.

3. The Price Creep

When you first sign up and snag the promo deal, meal kits seem like a no-brainer. But once the discounts run out, the cost for these plans can add up quickly—especially for larger families. And if you’re on a tight budget, paying $8 per serving can feel less “convenient” and more like a financial splurge.

Solution:

• Use meal kits strategically! Instead of having them every week, consider using them only during particularly busy periods or months when your schedule is overwhelming.
• Leverage the pause/cancel function most companies offer. By occasionally hitting pause, you can use up pantry staples and refresh your budgeting. It also tricks the system because many meal kit companies will email you new discounts to lure you back!
• Bulk cooking and freezing meals on your “off weeks” with meal kits are another way to save on groceries and cut costs. Get the convenience when you need it, and do the old-school meal prep when you don’t.

4. Prep Work and Cooking Times

While meal kits are supposed to save time, some involve more prep work than expected. If your idea of “easy dinner” doesn’t involve chopping onions or reducing a sauce, you might feel like the kits are falling short of their convenience claims.

Solution:

• Stick to meal kits that offer “oven-ready” or “quick-cook” options. Some plans even list estimated cooking times, so you can choose recipes that better fit your schedule.
• Prep ahead if you have time. Chop the veggies or marinate proteins the night before—it makes the actual cooking feel less daunting.
• If you’d rather skip the stove altogether some nights, look for meals marked as microwave-friendly or no-cook.

5. Portion Sizes Aren’t Always Perfect

Depending on your appetite or household size, meal kit portions can feel a little… off. Some families find there’s “barely enough” for everyone, while others might find portions too generous and end up with waste.

Solution:

• If you know your family tends to eat larger meals, try to bulk up the recipes with affordable extras like rice, pasta, or veggies that you already have at home. For example, I’ve stretched a single meal’s protein run longer by sautéing extra zucchini or sweet potatoes as a simple side.
• For those with unexpected leftovers, don’t toss them! Wrap, store, and get creative. Last night’s stir-fry can turn into tomorrow’s lunch wrap or side for a soup dinner.

Taking the Good with the Bad

Meal delivery kits aren’t flawless, but they’re designed to make our lives a little easier. By understanding their drawbacks and finding creative ways to work around them, you can maximize the benefits while sidestepping most of the frustrations.

For me, it boils down to taking a flexible approach—some weeks, a pre-planned kit saves my sanity; other weeks, I’m happy to shop the old-fashioned way.