Master the Art of Menu Planning: Save Time, Money, and Stress!
Let’s be honest: menu planning can initially seem like a hassle. But trust me, it’s worth it! Like any new habit, there’s a learning curve. With a bit of practice, you’ll become quicker and more efficient—and the benefits? Totally worth it.
Here’s why menu planning should be your new best friend:
Top Benefits of Menu Planning
Helps You Eat Healthier
Planning meals in advance ensures you’re prepared with nourishing options and helps you avoid the dreaded 5 o’clock hunger-stress gremlin. When you’re hangry, you’re more likely to make poor food choices—planning helps you stay on track.
Cuts Down on Processed Foods
With a plan in place, you’ll naturally eat fewer prepackaged and processed foods and enjoy more wholesome, nutrient-rich meals.
Saves Money and Reduces Food Waste
Planning ahead allows you to:
- Stick to your grocery budget.
- Buy only what you need, reducing waste.
- Avoid the temptation of eating out frequently.
Boosts Variety and Nutrient Diversity
Tired of eating the same meals? Menu planning helps you rotate recipes, add variety, and ensure your diet includes a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Supports Dietary Goals
Whether you’re managing food allergies, sensitivities, or specific nutrition goals, menu planning allows you to accommodate your needs with ease.
Improves Cooking Skills
Use the recipes you’ve pinned but never tried! Planning helps you tackle new dishes and build your home chef confidence.
Reduces Stress
Say goodbye to last-minute dinner decisions. With a plan, you’ll have everything ready to go, making evenings more peaceful.
How to Get Started with Menu Planning
Step 1: Choose Your Timeframe
You can plan for a week, two weeks, or even a month at a time. I used to plan my menus out a month in advance when my kids were smaller. Our evenings were the same back then, but with busy teenagers, every night has a different practice game, etc., so I plan a week in advance now.
Step 2: Create Your Menu
- Start with a Calendar: Use a physical calendar or digital tool to jot down meal ideas for each day.
- Consider Your Schedule: Plan simpler meals for busy nights and more elaborate ones when you have time.
- Budget-Friendly Choices: I stick to an average of $10/day for dinners.
- Include Variety: Rotate proteins, cuisines, and cooking methods to keep things interesting.
Step 3: Make a Master Recipe List
Compile your favorite recipes in one place for easy reference. I use a combination of saved recipes on my computer and a trusty recipe binder.
If you need some recipe inspiration, feel free to download my free 2 weeks of simple, easy and delicious dinner meals.
Step 4: Write Your Grocery List
Each week, create a shopping list based on your menu and weekly staples (e.g., milk, eggs, fruits, and veggies). For efficiency:
- Organize your list by store sections (produce, dairy, pantry).
- Stick to the list to avoid impulse buys.
- If you grocery store offers curbside pick up, try that! I find it so helpful!
Tips for Success
- Start Small: If planning a whole month feels overwhelming, start with one week.
- Be Flexible: Life happens! If plans change, move meals around as needed.
- Save Your Menus: Over time, build a collection of weekly or monthly menus to reuse. I have a Google Docs folder for this, and I currently experimenting with the Notes app on my phone to share the menu with my husband so he knows what is on the menu so he can make dinner, too.
- Plan to Plan: Set aside dedicated time each week for menu planning. Without a schedule, it’s easy to let this slide.
- Think About Prep Time: Match meals to your available cooking time. If you only have 30 minutes, skip recipes that require an hour.
Sample Weekly Menu
Here’s an example of what a week of meals could look like:
- Sunday: Dinner with neighbors.
- Monday: Apple Turkey Meatballs with Steamed Broccoli.
- Tuesday: Veggie Enchiladas.
- Wednesday: Shrimp Scampi with Caesar Salad.
- Thursday: Mexican Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower.
- Friday: Turkey Fajitas with Avocado Salad.
- Saturday: Dinner out with friends.
Your Turn!
Are you a menu-planning pro or just getting started? I’d love to hear about your favorite tips, challenges, and go-to recipes!
Good luck—and happy planning! With time and practice, menu planning will become second nature. Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing my weekly menu every Sunday to help inspire your meal planning journey.
