Easy Meal Ideas - Finding the Easiest Ways to Make a Meal

In this busy world, it’s hard enough to find time just to sit down and take a breather, let alone eat a decent meal. I know for me, everyday is "run run Run" and just to get alone time, I have to pretend I need to use the restroom. Of course, that can only work so many times a day and for so many minutes.

When you get home at the end of the day, the last thing you want to do is cook a meal. I’m the worst at this…so bad that I have had the habit in the past of just eating a pound of strawberries, taking a swig of milk and calling it even with the fridge…and the kitchen. This, of course, is getting really old really fast. You know you have nights like that. Don’t lie.

But suddenly one day it hit me. I could actually avoid the makeshift "strawberries and cream" meal by doing one of three things. These easy meal ideas will help you too:

• Cooking for the entire week on a weekend-I haven't really been a fan of this one up until recent months, but I have rediscovered the fine art of crock pot cooking and other easy ways to make a week or even a month's worth of meals and side dishes in a few short hours. Crock pot recipes are an excellent way to avoid mishap meals because you can throw everything in them, set it and forget it until it's time to eat. And if you have more than one crock pot or you have a few hours over a Saturday and Sunday, you can cook a couple of week's worth of meals. I made a crock pot chicken recipe and had 12 heaping portions over the entire month. And that was in just a couple of hours. Imagine what an entire Saturday and a crock pot could do for you and your cooking needs. Be sure to take a look at our favorite beef crock pot recipes and lamb crock pot recipes for more inspiration.

• Get someone to cook for you-Don't be shy about this. There are plenty of people in the world who want to make a living by using their cooking skills and even they show up only one day a week, that's one day you have to yourself instead of the kitchen. Plus, some home helpers can do amazing things with leftovers and a seemingly empty fridge that you or I could never think of.

• Eat out or order take out at least twice a month-Normally I wouldn't be a proponent of this, but honestly, when you're so busy you can't even take a bath more than twice a week (not me, but I have known others) it's time to consider all the options. Take out comes to you so take that much needed bath while you wait or go out and take a breather.

Remember, being busy is a part of this normal day and age. But it’s important to find balance. Give these ideas a try and see if you can make something more out of your newfound free time.