Earlier this week I shared a very basic meal planning post. I believe that meal planning is a great option for those looking to make life just a little less busy. A little planning goes a long way in saving you time and money.
Today I want to share 5 Meal Planning Tips.
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1.Check your cupboards & refrigerator.
Look in your cupboards and refrigerator before choosing your meals for the week. You may find canned goods that inspire a chili recipe. Maybe there is meat or veggies that can be used in a casserole. You might even have enough ingredients to make a complete meal. Start here for inspiration and in order to eliminate unnecessary buying.
2. Consult your store flyer.
Your store flyer (whether online or a paper version) can provide direction as you pick meals for the week. If ground chicken is on sale you can add chicken burgers to the week’s plan. If you see a great deal on pasta and sauce then add an Italian dish to the menu. The store flyer can inspire ideas and help you choose inexpensive items for low-cost meals.
3. Don’t be afraid of repeats.
All families have their favorites: Mom’s meatloaf, a tasty lasagna or burger and fries. You know which meals your family loves and talks about with their friends. It’s okay to have the same meal week after week. If your family loves baked macaroni and cheese then maybe you add it to the menu every Tuesday. It’s one less meal you need to think about each week.
4. Consider your leftovers.
If you make a large enough portion of a certain meal then you can eat it again in one of the upcoming meals. You might even wait until the end of the week and eat all the leftovers from earlier in the week (making a buffet of sorts). You could also use leftovers from one meal to create another meal. If you made shredded chicken over rice one night perhaps you can then use the leftover chicken in tortilla wraps with black beans and tasty toppings for another meal.
5. Make your grocery list.
A list of meals is great, but don’t forget to then make your grocery list. Going to the store with only a list of the meals will make for some disorganized shopping trips. Write down your meal ideas, consult the recipe noting the ingredients, and then add those ingredients to your grocery list.
I hope these tips are a help to you as you make meal planning a part of your weekly routine.
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What about you? What are some of your meal planning tips? Share them in the comments. I would love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Charissa, The Not So Busy Mom
My first stop is the flyer for the grocery store!! Money saving as well as time saving! I also think about the schedule for the week….what days are we out of the house late when I need a quick meal or when we have some more time and I can make something that will take a little longer! Great tips!!
Sounds like you have a great system in place, Nancy!
Such simple and great ideas!
Thanks, Jessica! I like to keep it simple when I can. 🙂
We absolutely repeat family favorites. We have a spreadsheet of favorites so we can be reminded of good go to meals in a pinch.
I love the idea of using a spreadsheet, Vicki!
Leftovers are my essential!
Yes, Sara!
We always check our pantry first. We call it shopping from the pantry!! It can save so much money and you don’t waste as much.
I’m so glad you shop the pantry, Leah! I love anytime I can save money and you’re right, food isn’t wasted, too.
I completely agree!! We do all of these things, with great success! I’ve always wanted to get my act together enough to make a pantry list of things that I have on hand so I can easily see what I need to grab to restock!
I’m so glad you have found success with meal planning, Suzanne. 🙂
I have been consistently meal planning for a year and a half now. I love doing it! These are great tips! Especially that don’t be afraid to repeat, if it’s something that you and your family like, make it yours
Yay, Krysten, for going a year and a half strong!
Checking the freezer sounds so simple but it’s something I ALWAYS forget to do!
I forget, too….these tips were for me as well, Kate!
Great tips – leftovers always help make my nights so much easier 🙂
Hi, Corey! Yes, if leftovers are available, they’re a great option.
These are really good tips! Love the one about checking what you already have!
Thanks, Tabitha!