Planning out weekly meals in advance is a game changer. It saves time, money, and energy on several levels. It also comes with the additional health benefits of knowing what is in our food. How can we come up with a consistent plan for weekly meal planning? I’ll share what has been working for my family…
1. Keep it simple. One day we can graduate to multi-level sync-able apps, but to start, pen and paper are great options. Also, one day we will advance to top chef level recipes but beginning with family favorites works wonders. So grab a piece of paper and a pen and let’s meal plan.
2. On the left side of the sheet list the days of the week. Leave some space in between each day. On the right side of the sheet write shopping list at the top. You can find some meal planner note pads that already follow this style, but a basic notebook or note pan work great too. That’s what I use.
Tip: To save time in the grocery story, I also create simple sections on the grocery list side such as: Produce, Meat, Dairy, Frozen, Aisle. Then I write the ingredients I need under the appropriate section. This helps me zip through the grocery store without backtracking through all the aisles.
3. Write out your meals for each day on the left side then write the ingredients on the left side. As the weeks go on you’ll be able to create a template to make the process easier.
Tips:
One pack of meat generally = 4 servings. However, certain recipes like spaghetti or chili can stretch it further.
Double or triple recipes to minimize the number of meals you cook in a week. This can save time.
Batch cook. Several meals can be cooked at once. Then you may only need to cook once or twice a week. Just be sure to check your maximum fridge or freezer storage capacity and if necessary, the meal can be frozen for later in the week.
Base weekly meals around the grocery store flyer. Start with the meats. Create meals around the meats that are on sale since meat is usually the most expensive part of the meal.
Incorporate one or two meatless meals. It’s heathy and saves money.
Over time, create templates or rotate previous lists.
Keep options simple. There’s nothing wrong with having the same breakfast every day. Especially on weekdays. Then maybe something special on the weekend like pancakes.
Be observant, if over time you realize a particular item is being purchase frequently, such as ketchup, then plan to purchase such items in bulk from places like BJs or Costco.
4. Before heading out take your grocery list and do a quick run-through of the fridge. This will prevent you from buying things you already have at home.
5. If you’re on a tight budget write the price next to item on your grocery list as you pick up the items in the store. Also, rounding is ok, no need to be super detailed. This will just allow you to park in an empty aisle for a minute to quickly add up your list on your phone calculator. This way you won’t be shocked at the register and you’ll have an opportunity to put something back beforehand if you need to.
Meal planning is indeed a superpower. It takes some time to get consistent, but the results pay off 10-fold. In additional to saving time, money, and energy, cooking and prepping offer additional opportunities to spend more time together. This can be couple time or time with the children. Moreover, families are made stronger around the dinner table. So let’s get cooking!
Until next time,
Crystal
Crystal Chantel is an accountant with well over a decade of experience in tax, finance, audit and accounting in New York and Florida. Each week in Money Talks, she’ll share her advice to help individuals to navigate their financial challenges!