Hot meals on the table by 7.30pm on a Weekday?

Have you ever wondered how did our moms do it?  Work from 9-5pm and still make it home on time to have hot meals on the table by 7.30pm.  I told myself "Hmm...perhaps they are extremely skilled at cooking.  Also, they work only till 5pm whereas women today work till 6 or 7pm.".  Soon after, I realized well, if they could do it, I could too! (Very typical of me...kiasu :)).

After thinking it through, I listed a few things that I could do to achieve this.  Since having this list, I have been able to dish out hot homemade meals on the table by 7.30pm (I work till 6pm).  So, here's my list and hope it helps you too.

1. Plan your meals ahead.  I plan what I want to cook the next week every Saturday morning.
2. Shop for groceries once a week.  I buy everything I need on Saturday from Jaya Grocer or Cold Storage (I'm really not a wet market person).  I noticed I spent less when I shop once a week.  So, that's another plus point!
3. Pre-cut vegetables and throw frozen meat into the fridge to thaw* the night before for meals you plan to cook the next day.
4. Cook your meal and voilà!

* Did you know, the best way to thaw meat is by placing it in the fridge? This significantly reduces bacteria from getting into your meat. Need more info on thawing?  Refer to http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Big_Thaw/