At some point in your mom journey you’ve probably heard the term “meal planning” floating around. As a type A personality this sounded amazing to me but you might not get the same fuzzy feeling. Despite the cringe you may have initially had- I can PROMISE you it’s worth it. Even if you give it a half effort, you’re going to find that it will take one major to-do off your daily plate.
I’m going to break this down into steps, and at the end, I’ll sum it up so that if you must, you can take the easy way out. Either way, meal planning is going to change your life.
- Grab your meal planning sheet. Don’t have one? You can grab my free one at the bottom of this post, or this cute one on Amazon. There is this one that I love for themes nights or this one is super cheap. If you’re an overachiever like me and just want to plan every meal in your life then this is the one for you.
- Check your calendar and write down everything you have going on for the week. Events, holidays, family plans, anything that will keep you from being able to cook a meal or leave you with little time to spend in the kitchen.
- Shop your pantry and freezer. Make list of what main ingredients you already have. Think chicken, ground meat, pasta, soups. Even beans, deli meat, or eggs can be the beginning of a dinner idea.
- Use those basics to create meal ideas of each day you plan to cook. I use Pinterest A LOT for meal ideas but honestly you shouldn’t over think it. Chicken, green beans and roasted potatoes is a family favorite. Spaghetti, Eggs bacon + toast, Naan Pizza. Keep it easy. If you have a crock pot, air fryer or Instant Pot, that’s even better.
- Use that plan to make your food shopping list. Make note of anything you don’t have (but being mindful to use things you do). Pro Tip: Make your list in sections (produce, bread, meat, dairy, frozen, dry good, non-food), this helps you not miss anything while you’re in the store. I made the freebie at the bottom of this post that you can have.
- Include a few options for breakfast, lunch and snack to really take the stress off. Rotate between 3-4 ideas for each. Cereal, bagels, yogurt + fruit, oatmeal, + muffins are a few of our go-tos. Veggies Sticks, peanut butter crackers, apple sauce packets, and fresh fruit. PB+J, cucumber cream cheese, ham and cheese roll ups are a few of our lunch favorites.
- Be flexible + realistic. Add in weekly take-out night to ease the stress if you can swing it. Switch days up as needed. Cereal for breakfast is not off the table. YOYO (you’re on your own) is one I’m looking forward to when the kids are older. Whatever works for you and your family.
Okay, here is the ultimate short cut.
Grab a sheet of paper and list out the days you plan to cook. Rifle through your pantry + freezer to see if you already have stuff you can use. Add a meal to each day. Make a list of anything you don’t have for those dinners. Stick to this list while you’re shopping. Meal planning made simple.
I can’t recommend this enough. It will free up so much time, mental space, and money! No more random trips to the grocery store, last minute take out orders, or spoiled food that never got used. No more 5pm panics when you realize you haven’t taken anything out for dinner and the kids are starving. I think those are reason enough to give it a chance and when you do- let me know how it goes!! Take a picture of your meal plan and tag me on IG @Emma.Prentiss !
