Simplify Your Life with Meal Planning

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Oh, the daily struggle of figuring out what to feed the family, not just one meal, but three, and that’s not including snacks!

Let’s face it—meal times can feel like a whirlwind, especially when you're juggling kids, work, and endless to-do lists. As a mom, I know how chaotic things can get, which is why meal planning has become my secret weapon to save time, money, and sanity. If you’re tired of last-minute scrambles and takeout, this guide is for you.

Why Meal Planning is a Game-Changer

1. Reduces Stress: Knowing exactly what’s for dinner eliminates the daily “What’s for dinner?” debate.

2. Saves Time: Fewer trips to the grocery store mean more time for you and your family.

3. Saves Money: Planning ahead helps you avoid impulse buys and food waste.

4. Encourages Healthy Eating: When you plan, you’re more likely to include balanced meals and snacks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Meal Planning

1. Take Inventory

Check your fridge, freezer, and pantry to see what you already have. Then, build meals around these items.

I like to list items in categories like meats, sides, and mixings. Mixings include things like cream of chicken or a type of cheese, anything you might need for a recipe.

Get your free Meal Planner HERE.

To see my example of how to use the meal planner click here.

2. Create a Menu

I try to think of meals that I know my kids love and will eat. Of course, sometimes, it doesn't always work out and they end up eating a PBJ. Story of our lives right? Haha!

Use your inventory to create meals and mark off the items as you include them in meals. List all ingredients you’ll need and items to go with the meal. For example, say you’re having chili. List all of your ingredients to make the chili but also think about what you normally eat with your chili. We like corn chips, cheese, and sour cream. Make sure you list those items along with your meals instead of just writing “chili”. Remember to check your pantry/fridge for those items and if you need them put them on your grocery list.

Be realistic about your schedule—if you know you have a busy evening, plan for something simple or use leftovers.

3. Make a Grocery List

Once your menu is set, it’s time to make your grocery list. Remember, think about the ingredients you need for your meals and also the items you eat with the meals. Remember the chili example I listed above?

I mainly shop at Kroger and Aldi. Kroger has a fantastic app that allows you to create a list for in-store shopping (organizes items by aisle) or pick-up orders. The app is also helpful for saving money by finding meats or other items on sale and taking advantage of their coupons.

Tips to Keep It Simple

• Theme Nights: Assign themes to each day, like Taco Tuesday or Pasta Friday, to narrow down your options.

• Batch Cooking: Double recipes and freeze half for busy days.

• Involve the Family: Let kids help pick recipes or prep ingredients to make meal planning a family activity.

• Stay Flexible: Life happens! Don’t stress if you need to swap meals or grab takeout occasionally.

I like to pick from my meal list throughout the week rather than putting a meal on certain days. Just kind of pick and choose rather than being dedicated to something.

Sample Weekly Meal Plan

Here’s an example of a simple, family-friendly meal plan:

• Monday: Spaghetti with marinara sauce, garlic bread, and a side salad.

• Tuesday: Tacos with ground turkey, refried black beans, and all the toppings.

• Wednesday: Crispy Chicken tender wraps with fries.

• Thursday: Leftover night—get creative and mix things up!

• Friday: Homemade pizza with a DIY toppings bar.

• Saturday: Homemade Chili

• Sunday: Air fryer Salmon bites, rice, and steamed broccoli.

Tools and Resources

• Kroger App: Make it simple with the Kroger app. Add all of your needed items to the list in the app or to your cart for easy grocery pickup. Most grocery stores have an app now that you can shop on. If you don't shop at Kroger, check for an app for where you do shop.

• Reusable Templates: Create a master list of family-favorite meals to rotate through.

• Pinterest: A goldmine for inspiration when you’re stuck in a recipe rut.

Final Thoughts

Meal planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that it’s all about making your life easier. Trust me, the time you invest upfront will pay off in smoother, happier mealtimes for your family.

Eventually, you’ll work your way up to meal planning for the entire month! If setting certain meals for certain days isn’t working for you, make a list of the meals and pick one in advance based on how you're feeling or what you’re craving.

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