A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO MEAL PLANNING
When it comes to eating well, meal planning is one of the easiest things you can do to set yourself up for success. One of the perks about meal planning is there is no rules, and you really can't mess it up. The biggest thing is just setting the time aside each week to do it, and once you do you will be a pro, and you will begin to find what works for you and your family.
​
PART 1: ASSESS YOUR EATING SITUATION
​
Our eating situations can vary greatly from day to day or even week to week depending on work schedules, schools schedules, and even after school activities. Here are some things to consider as you assess your eating situation.
​
HOW MANY MEALS YOU NEED TO PLAN FOR
​
Take a moment and think to yourself what do you have going on next week? Knowing this helps you know how many meals to plan and how long you can stretch out those meals from each recipe.
​
WHAT YOU HAVE TIME FOR
​
If you have a crazy week coming up, make a mental note to be on the lookout for quick, slow cooker or make-ahead meals that can be served up in a hurry. Leftovers are always a good thing.
​
YOUR FOOD MOOD
​
Things like the weather, a change in seasons, and food cravings can impact what sounds good on any given day. Thinking about these things beforehand can help for much easier meal planning.
​
YOUR GROCERY BUDGET
​
If you want to eat better for less (and who doesn't) think seasonal produce and sales.
MEAL PLANNING PRACTICE: MAP OUT YOUR WEEKLY EATS
​
1. GRAB A PEN AND PAPER
​
Write the days of the week on the left side of the page and the meals you want to plan across the top.
​
2. SKETCH OUT YOUR WEEKLY EATS
​
Vague descriptions like quick dinner, leftovers, or packable lunch are fine for now. Don't forget to plan for leftovers and make note of special dietary restrictions here as well.
​
3. TALLY THEM UP
​
Note how many meals you'll need, grouping together similar ones. For example: 2 quick dinners, 3 packable lunches....
​
PART 2: COLLECT & CALENDAR YOUR RECIPES
​
Once you know how many meals you'll need. It's time to find some good recipes and fill in your calendar for the week. Here are some helpful tips:
​
CREATE A MASTER RECIPE LIST
​
Having a list of go-to meals is one of the easiest ways to expedite the meal planning process. Try one or two new receipts and use a few of your old ones to fill in the gaps. Every time you find a new one you seem to like add it to the rotation.
​
FIND A FEW NEW DISHES TO TRY
​
Finding good, healthy recipes isn't hard. You just need to know where to look. Cookbooks, online, and even friends usually have wonderful recipes.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​