How to Meal Plan Like a Pro

How to Meal Plan Like a Pro

As a busy Mom, we are constantly running. Now, I have my kids half the month (hello divorce), but on the days that I have the kids I ensure that I could as much as I can. We all seriously hate eating out!

Reasons why I Meal Plan:

 This saves my sanity
 No more what’s for dinner questions
 Eat based on grocery store sales
 By not eating out on busy nights, saves us money
 Each kid picks what dinner they want for the week
Eating healthier (C thinks ground chicken tacos are beef and eats the crap out of them…small win as I struggle with her to make healthy choices!)
 Saves money
  less stressed about food and what we eat!

Here's how I start my Meal Plan:

1. I start out with my Printable Meal Plan (click the link and download yours for free!). From there I jot down whatever we have going on that day (soccer, volleyball, birthday party, etc.). 

2. Then I find what is on sale at my local grocery store. This helps me save money because as we all know groceries are fucking expensive!

3. Now whether this is right or wrong, I ask the kids what they'd like for dinners. I know if I make what they want, it'll be eaten or taken for lunch! 

Meal planning can transform your week, saving you time, money, and stress.

Once I know exactly what is for dinner, I then rewrite everything on my chalk board that hangs in the kitchen. Now only does this allow me to look up throughout the day to know what we have going on, but if I need to make dinner ahead of time or simply get it started.

Here’s how to Meal Plan like a pro:

1. Set Your Goals

• Decide what you want to achieve: healthier eating, saving money, or reducing food waste. Having clear goals will guide your planning.

2. Choose Your Recipes

• Pick a mix of recipes for variety. Look for meals that share ingredients to minimize waste and simplify shopping.

3. Create a Weekly Menu

• Map out your meals for the week, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Keep your schedule in mind—some days may need quick meals, while others can be more elaborate.

4. Make a Shopping List

• Based on your menu, create a detailed shopping list organized by categories (produce, dairy, proteins, etc.). Stick to the list to avoid impulse buys!

5. Prep Ahead

• Dedicate time for meal prep. Chop veggies, marinate proteins, and portion out snacks. Having ingredients ready to go makes cooking during the week a breeze.

6. Stay Flexible

• Life happens! Be open to swapping meals or adjusting your plan based on unexpected events or cravings.

7. Review and Adjust

• At the end of the week, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Adjust your approach to make planning even smoother for next time.

If you need inspiration, check out my Dinner Meal Plan! It's filled with 7 days of easy dinner recipes that are sure to become family favorites. Readers who have purchased it LOVE the Bang Bang Shrimp recipe!

By following these steps, you’ll streamline your cooking process and enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals all week long. Happy planning!