Meal planning is a necessary evil around these parts. Necessary because it helps us save money and prevents food waste. Evil because sometimes it’s just a pain to figure out exactly what to make week after week, especially when you’re trying to keep it healthy and interesting and varied.
Now I know how my mom felt all those years! Week after week, she would ask, “What should I make?” And week after week, our response was always the same, “I don’t know.”
Sorry, momma!
To avoid the above situation (for the rest of my life) and keep my frustration at bay, I devised a simple four step meal planning process, and I plan to stick to it as much as possible in 2016. Especially when things get a little crazy!
Ok, so here goes…
1 – Open up to a clean page in your meal planning notebook (yes, you should have a notebook just for this!). On the left hand side, list out the days of the week in one column and across the top list out all the meals you are planning for (breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner).
Carefully think through the days of the week and what meals you will need. For example, breakfast is always the same for us, so I only have to think about my lunches (99% of the time Vishnu eats at the hospital) and our dinners. Consider potential leftovers, meals out, etc.
2 – Now that you know exactly what needs to be made and in what proportion, you can start browsing through cookbooks (The Oh She Glows Cookbook is my absolute favorite!), Pinterest, and blogs. Personally, I like to make one or two new dishes every week and stick to my own tried and true favorites for the rest.
Note: Make sure there’s some overlap of ingredients between meals. This will help save money and eliminate food waste!
3 – Before heading to the grocery store, survey the contents of your fridge and pantry. You guys have no idea how many cans of chickpeas we now have all because I thought we were out!
4- In order to make this whole process worthwhile, STICK TO THE LIST when shopping! I was just telling Vishnu what a huge difference this makes. Take this past week as an example. I ended up almost $15 under budget! All because of a plan and a list!
So there you have it, my four step meal planning process. It doesn’t get any easier than this!
How do you plan your meals for the week?
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i think overlapping ingredients really helps. i also repeat 1-2 meals and eat leftovers. great post P 🙂
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Virtual Coffee Date
It really does! Pretty much eliminates food waste all together. 🙂
I’m the WORST When it comes to planning but sometimes we use an online grocery service here which helps a TON because I can order it right from my kitchen while I’m staring at the things I already have! Now I’m just trying to master the art of using up one ingredient in multiple recipes!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables recently posted…Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (No Protein Powder Required)
I think we’re going to use something similar in Chicago depending on where we live (and the weather!).
Great tips!! I always sit with REB and figure out what sounds good for the week. The biggest problem is he won’t know what he’s in the mood for, so I usually just make the decision for him. I always have to find things that are 30 min. or less given the crazy schedule I have post-work, post-workout. I try to make ahead but it doesn’t always work so if i do have to make night of, it hast o be quick! And I always make enough for four servings so we have at least another serving each for lunch or dinner again or something! Soups always get frozen and I keep a list on the fridge door of what frozen meals we have and the date they were put into the freezer. That way it doesn’t get buried under other things we buy!
Aparna B. recently posted…Yeah I’m Alive
I need to use the freezer more. I tend to just throw things that are a little older in there hoping they stay preserved. I’m sure if I was more intentional about it, it’d save me lots of time!
And I feel you on the 30 minutes or less thing. Don’t nobody have time to spend all day in the kitchen!!!
I absolutely agree that meal planning saves us from many a headache! I just wish I was more disciplined to do it! I am trying! 🙂
Roshni recently posted…An Indian American family road trip
Hi Roshni! At least your trying! What motivates me is the $$$ savings! When I think about that, the process comes more easily. 🙂
I totally agree that meal plan make meal time and grocery shopping so much easier! I only land dinners but I like the idea of planning all three meals. Your method seems great.
Salma recently posted…3 Things Thursday #90
Great tips P! I don’t meal plan as such but I try to make sure my fridge contains a decent amount of healthy ingredients to throw together a meal, depending what I’m craving on the day. And if all fails, there are always eggs ;)!
Khushboo recently posted…Making healthy eating resolutions stick