When you have toddlers running around the house, meal planning is often the last thing you have on your mind. I think a lot of us mothers really have no clue how to actually “meal plan”.
Meal planning can save time and money though, and I know those are two things that moms love!
Beyond saving time and money there are some other great reasons for meal planning.
By planning your meals and doing your shopping ahead of time, it’s easier to make sure your family eats healthy and balanced meals. It’s too easy to reach for the phone and order a pizza when your fridge is empty.
Here are Some Tips to Make Meal Planning Easy:
First, look through your pantry and cupboards and make a mental note of what you have. The see if there are any foods you can use to plan your family’s meals around. For example if you have pasta or rice then create a couple of meals including those staples. I often make a list of the things I do have and bring it with me to the store. This way I can use what I have to make new meals (less product to buy) and I don’t rebuy what I already have (something I do often).
Sit down and plan your week’s menu. Write down each dinner and remember to make allowances for days you don’t have a lot of time or get home late. If you know ahead of time Tuesdays are stressful then plan something pretty simple to make for that day or even make double on Monday and save the leftovers for Tuesday. You can vary the meal by changing one or two things around.
Although going to the supermarket once a week is a good way to save time and avoid overspending, it may not always be possible for all items. If you buy a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables you may want to only include half a week’s worth of items on your list and make a second quick trip during the week for the rest. Just stick to the produce isle to avoid temptations.
When planning your list think of meals that are both nutritious but frugal. Casseroles, stews and pasta dishes can be quite inexpensive and also easy to prepare. To save money, include one or two vegetarian meals a week. You can make a nutritious meat-free chili or cheesy pasta bake. Tuna is another great frugal food you can add to pasta or rice dishes.
When you’re buying your vegetables plan your meals around them to avoid wasting food. Say you buy a bag of carrots then try to include carrots in several dinners or use them for snacks to avoid ending up with a fridge full of expired produce at the end of the week.
Think ahead and use your freezer. If you’re making something that freezes well like spaghetti sauce, a stew or casserole make double and freeze the second portion for those days where you just don’t have any time to cook. Also get a Food Saver. I can’t tell you how much money this has saved me!
Finally, don’t forget to stick your menu on your fridge or other prominent place and plan ahead every day. If you’re making a crock pot stew you can cut the veggies the night before and add them to your crock pot in the morning. Leave your meat thawing in the fridge during the day and leave the items for the evening’s dinner out so that you can easily start cooking once you get in.
I also check the Sundy ads for coupons for the products I am buying. This really saves a lot in the long run.
If even after these helpful meal planning tips, you find yourself too busy check out
Dine Without Whine – A Family Friendly Weeky Menu Planner
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