I’m starting today’s post on the benefits of meal planning, but keep scrolling for my 6 Step Meal Planning Method + Free Printable. You can also find my Complete Meal Planning Workbook that I use here.
I’m not sure about you, but one of the questions I dread most in life is, “What’s for dinner?” 🤣 I especially hate this question when I have absolutely no clue, it’s 6pm, everyone is starting to get hangry and looking at me!
There came a point when I knew we had to get more organised. Otherwise, every evening would be stressful and chaotic, and we’d all end up eating whatever was most convenient – even if it wasn’t the best choice 🙈 That’s when I started looking at the benefits of meal planning….
The Benefits of Meal Planning
When it comes to meal planning, initially I just thought it was one more job to add to my week and wasn’t worth it. And I will admit, it does take a little extra effort at the start. But after just a few weeks I could already see how much of a life saver this would be!
Not only is it easier for you and your family to eat well when you meal plan, but you’ll also have more mental headspace when the daily decision making of what to eat is eliminated. So let’s take a look at just a few of the main benefits of meal planning!
Have More Free Time
While meal planning does take a small initial time investment each week, the amount of free time you gain back is well worth it. It might only take you 15 minutes to pick and plan your meals for the week but save time every single evening.
Save Money Each Week
When you start meal planning, you buy exactly what you need when you need it. No more sky-high grocery bills or food going to waste each week!
Start Making Better Food Choices
You’re tired, you’re hungry, maybe the kids are screaming in the background. There is only so much willpower a person can have to make good food choices in that situation! Inevitably, you’ll go for what’s most convenient, even if it’s not the best choice. When you meal plan and have exactly what you need at home, you give yourself a far better chance to make healthy food choices.
Everyone Can Get Involved
When there is a meal plan for the week, it’s easy to share the cooking duties. Everyone knows what’s happening each day. It’s also easy to send someone else to the grocery store with a list with exactly what’s needed. Depending on the age of kids, they can also get involved in helping pick and plan the meals.
Feel Relaxed and Prepared
It takes a lot of mental energy to think about and decide what to eat three times per day everyday, and even more time when you are doing that for a family! Plan once and you can take that mental drain off your plate for the entire week.
How to Meal Plan – Step by Step Guide
This step by step guide is based on the method I use in my Complete Meal Planning Workbook. It has everything you need (including bonus Ayurvedic Pantry & Seasonal Staples Lists!) to set up a complete meal planning system that is easy and efficient.
Step 1 – Brainstorm Ideas
Step 1 is to get some inspiration for your meal plan. Brainstorm options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. When I want some new ideas, I always make sure to check out pinterest first, along with a few of my favourite cookbooks. You only need to do this step every now when you feel like you are stuck in a rut!
Step 2 – Monthly Overview
The second step is to take a look at your month at a glance. Jot down any events you have coming up, meals out, or vacations when you won’t be cooking. Also write down any birthdays or special occasions you might want to try a new recipe for! Fill out your monthly overview at the start of the month and update as needed.
Step 3 – Weekly Meal Plan (FREE PRINTABLE HERE)
Now, this is where the meal planning really starts! If you are to do one step and one step only, it should be this one! I suggest planning your weekly meals on a Friday for the week ahead. This gives you plenty of time to make any changes, shop and prep. Download your free weekly meal planner below!
Step 4 – Shop @ Home First
Now you have your meals picked out, see what you already have at home first! I like to call this step ‘shop @ home first’ because by ‘shopping’ what you already have in your kitchen, you’ll save when you get to the shop. If you like, you can do this before picking your meals and base your menu of what you already have at home!
Step 5 – Write Your Shopping List
This step is pretty self explanatory! Simple, but important. There is nothing worse than trying to shop for a family for a week without a list. Not only do you always forget something, but your shopping bill is so much higher. So once your meals are picked and you know what you already have at home, write down exactly what you need and stick to it.
Step 6 – Prep What You Can & Organise Recipes
Finally, take a look at the week ahead and see what you can do in advance. Maybe there are 1-2 meals you can cook and freeze, or prep vegetables for the next few days, or make some snacks to have on hand. Take an hour or so and do what you can to make your life easier! Also, get any recipes you’re making for the week ready, or write down any you’ve come up with yourself.
So there you have it – a step by step guide to everything you need for a complete meal planning system. This method will save you so much valuable time, energy and money each week. Now you know the benefits of meal planning, will you try it? Has meal planning helped you and your family? Let me know in the comments!
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