But planning your meals ahead of time is an excellent way to beat the 'what to cook today?' drag. You don't have to dig around your fridge to figure out what you could fix. Your daily meal, along with a recipe is right there in front of you. Well, planning meals will save time, money and energy.

Menu Planner

Vaishali Bhatt, Cookery Expert and Caterer says, "Most working women are busy throughout the week and have little time to cook elaborate meals. But, by planning meals and shopping ahead of time, you can make sure that your family eats healthy and balanced meals."

For example, get a cookbook that contains easy-to-prepare recipes. Double a recipe and freeze half for another meal. Or make a list every week of all the main dishes you normally fix, as well as foods that you would like to serve but often omit due to time constraints or missing ingredients.

A simple online search will give you some great recipes and meal ideas, most of which you can prepare in less than 15 minutes.

Balanced Meals

Your list should include a wide variety of foods from each of the four food groups. Majority of your food choices should be whole grain foods, peas, beans, lentils as well as colourful vegetables and fruit.

"Sensible portions of lean meat, poultry or fish and low-fat milk products should make up the remaining of your plate.  Plan your breakfast menus, kid's tiffin boxes menus, afternoon lunch, evening snack and dinner. Include your kids in meal planning so they feel included and learn about healthy food," says Mansi Shelhar, Nutritionist.

Sometimes, moms have a tough time to make their kids eat veggies. So, think creatively when making the list. If your kid hates vegetables, 'disguising' vegetables in her food helps.

Albina Noronha, Caterer says, "You can stir-fry or add vegetables to prepared soups and curries. Or mix a vegetable in with a favourite food. Boil and puree carrots and peas and add to dals and curries. If your child likes pizza, add lots of vegetables or pureed vegetable sauces as the pizza topping."