Meal Planning Tips

 It's something we need to think about every single day.  What's for breakfast, lunch and dinner?  What and when are we going to eat? Staying with a healthy diet could not be possible without planning ahead.  With busy schedules and lifestyles, meal planning is definitely a must!

Here are some of my tips for meal planning.  My weeks are definitely easier when I plan ahead and have quick and easy meals ready to go!

1.      Tired of the same old meals? Look through recipes for new ideas. Check out a new cookbook. Browse websites and Pinterest.  Make your grocery list off of the new recipes that you want to try.
2.    Create a place to save recipes and keep them organized. Make a list of regular items that you make and family favorites and rotate them throughout the month.
3.    Ask for input from kids and other family members.  If my son complains about having the same thing all of the time, I make sure to ask him what he would like for meals before I go to the grocery store.
4.    Have fun cooking seasonally. Visit farmer’s markets, participate in a Community co-op produce basket program.
5.    Start a weekly meal planner calendar, wipe board, computer/iPad or on a note pad. Your family will always know "What's for dinner?".
6.    Plan themed cuisine nights, such as, Italian Night, Pizza Night, Taco Night.
7.    Make a grocery list and choose a convenient shopping day that works best for your schedule. 
8.  Check what's on sale and plan your meals around those ingredients.   
9.    Don’t overstuff the refrigerator. Buy what you think you will consume each week so you don't have to throw anything away!
10.  Be strategic about freezing leftovers.  
11.   Keep a well-stocked pantry:  beans, grains, canned tomatoes, soup stock.
12.  After grocery shopping, spend time prepping meals for the week.   Cook once, eat twice. Make double batches for the next day. Pack lunch while making dinner.