Make weekend meals effortless with simple themes, make-ahead options, and family-friendly ideas. Tips to plan meals that nourish without stress, so you can truly enjoy your time of rest.
All the household tasks don’t come to a halt just because I decide to rest. Meals still need to be made, and unfortunately, forest creatures don’t magically clean my house.
It might seem counterintuitive, but preparing for rest is essential. However, this isn’t about rushing around and stressing yourself out—it’s about making space to truly enjoy your time of rest.
Slowing down is something we all desperately need. Within our weekend rest, we create space for ourselves and our families to do what delights and replenishes us.
Making Room for Rest
“For me to enjoy Sabbath rest on Saturday, however, requires I have another day of the week to do the tasks of life that consume my energy or fill me with worry. For example, planning my week, paying bills, balancing our checkbook, cleaning the house, fighting traffic and crowds to shop, doing loads of laundry are all work I need to do a different day of the week.”
[I love this definition from Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero p.156-157]
So how do we take time away from “…things that consume my energy or fill me with worry”?
We must plan for it.
And let go of the urge to keep going at full speed every single day. Rest requires intentionality—time for reflection, processing, and simply being present.
Where to Start: What is Unique to This Week?
Let each week be different. Sometimes, I crave solitude in the kitchen, cooking something slow and comforting. Other times, I’d rather order a pizza and be hands-off. It depends on what my week has looked like.
“‘A man who works with his mind should sabbath with his hands. A man who works with his hands should sabbath with his mind.’ What your work looks like is going to affect what your sabbath looks like. … Sabbath changes as life changes.”
Quoting Abraham Heschel a rabbi who lived during the civil rights movement.
(From The Common Rule by Earley p. 149-150)
What is unique to your week?
- What have your last 7 days been like?
- How much time have you spent in your kitchen cooking and cleaning up?
- Have you made anything from scratch this week?
Idea #1: Choose a Theme for Sabbath Meal Planning
A theme can simplify decision-making and create ease.
- Breakfast for Dinner – My friend Erin does this every Saturday night. It’s simple, ingredients are always on hand, and the kids love it.
- One Big Meal – My friend Michelle serves a hearty late lunch on Sundays, then they just snack in the evening. Less cooking, fewer dishes.
- Fast-Food Sundays – We grab drive-thru on our way home from church and eat together at home. No cooking, minimal cleanup, and it’s a fun routine.
- At-Home Date Night – A few years ago my sister-in-law used to make kid-friendly food early and put the littles to bed. Then my brother-in-law would grill a nice steak dinner for just the two of them.
- Double Up – My friend Jalynne preps a double recipe midweek, so there’s no extra cooking needed for the weekend (think two lasagnas, two casseroles, etc.).
Other theme ideas:
- Slow Cooker Sundays – stews, soups, roasts, one-pot meals, to put on a sandwich (pulled pork, sloppy joes), chili, green beans & ham, hearty sides (mashed potatoes, stuffing), ribs… etc.
- Cuisine-Based – Italian, BBQ, casseroles, Thai, Street Food, Salads, American Classics, Seafood, Mexican (our fav), Southern Comfort Food
Idea #2: Meal Ideas That Are Slow and Deliberate
Cooking can be restful when approached intentionally.
Consider:
- What meals do you love preparing?
- What season is it? (Fall: slow-simmered soups, Summer: fresh salads and grilled foods)
- What fresh ingredients do you have?
- What meal from your childhood brings comfort?
I choose this option when the week has been busy and I haven’t had much kitchen time. I love prepping a slow meal in the afternoon, letting it cook while I enjoy a quiet house, then sitting down to eat something I’ve looked forward to all day.
If you are looking for slow, nutritious, beautiful food watch these YouTube channels:
Idea #3: Meals That Are Easy or Made Ahead
Sometimes, rest means doing as little as possible. If you’ve spent the whole week cooking, let your weekend meals be effortless.
- Prep food ahead to be kind to your future self.
- Use disposable dishes or ask for help.
- Order takeout or make a picnic to eat outside.
- Use Jalynne’s trick—double a meal earlier in the week to reheat on Saturday.
Ask yourself:
- Who can help with cooking?
- What activities are planned for the day?
- Do you want to eat at a certain time or be flexible?
- How can food serve your rest rather than create stress?
Idea #4: Getting Help
Mom should get time off too. We are not the only ones in our homes who can cook or provide meals for the family. It may take some teaching or patience to change patterns that have been formed.
Get help from others. Have the teens and older kids learn to cook. This is adding life skills and giving you a break. My husband is an excellent cook. He makes meals often.
If you can not get help from others in your home, then help yourself ahead of time. You have agency. You can decide how you want things to go with a bit of planning.
Setting the Atmosphere
Slowing down on the weekends isn’t just about food; it’s about creating a restful environment.
Think about:
- Smells – Cinnamon rolls, fresh sheets, soup simmering, open windows
- Sounds – Quiet reflection, laughter, soft music, nature
- Feel – Cozy blankets, relaxed conversations, a slower pace
How can you be strategic in making space for true rest?
You Can Do This
We all fall out of routine, miss our goals, or face unexpected interruptions. That’s okay.
Instead of focusing on what hasn’t worked, remember the times when your rest day has felt calm and good. Then, do your best to prepare for it with hope and intention.
If you’re in a season where rest feels impossible, do what you can and give yourself grace. God meets us in our limitations.
Wishing you rest and renewal!
