Rough Draft Challenge Meal Planning Notes

Below is an example of a weekly menu that can be made on Sundays and stored for the week. I start making the bread in the morning and then begin the soup. While the soup is simmering and the bread is rising/baking, I prep the dinner and the salad/veggies for the rest of the week. While I don’t eat a lot of sweets, I do make a weekly cookie for my afternoon tea. But the deal is I can’t have the cookie unless I’m working on my WIP. 🙂

This is not a complete menu for the week (there’s not enough food), but it’s a menu that offers lots of leftovers, depending on the size of your family. It’s meant as a guide to help you get started.

This is a milder menu when it comes to flavors and tastes since I’m often cooking for people with allergies, gluten-free needs, etc. So it’s low on allergens or, if there are nuts, etc., leaving them out won’t change the taste. Every recipe I included can be adapted for gluten-free, vegan, etc. diets.

I never drink alcohol during deadline projects, so I keep my Berkey water filter filled and have my favorite sparkling water in the fridge. I LOVE coffee, but also I try not to overdue the caffeine otherwise I’ll be suffering from headaches all month.

For snacks, I keep seasonal fruit on hand, as well raw veggies, yogurt, and nuts.

Yes, it’s easier to buy fast food or rely on UberEats during deadline project months. But that gets expensive and can widen your waistband, especially if you’re not moving/working out like normal. So while making meals takes more time, you’ll feel better this summer me when your favorite clothes still fit.

Each menu below offers ideas and corresponding recipe links. Each week includes a homemade bread, healthy breakfast, a hot soup, a filling dinner, a salad/veggie that can be eaten any time day, and a cookie. All the links go to recipes in The Hungry {Romance} Writer Index, and they are all printable.