Taking a little time to plan out your meals for the week can help you save time and money. The biggest benefit is that you can eat healthier by knowing and controlling the ingredients going into your meals. By planning ahead for the week, you can shop for sales, buy exactly what you need and reduce food waste, avoid those last-minute trips to the grocery store to purchase missing ingredients and reduce the need to order take-out!
1. Use a menu planner. Calendars, apps, notebooks, white boards - use what works best for you. If you are unsure of how this will all work, try using our printable planners to start with.
2. Set a goal: Why are you menu planning? Is it for health reasons? Saving time? Or saving money?
3. Look at flyers or online sales pages. Many stores release their new flyers later in the work week.
4. Make a list of favourite recipes. If you are short on ideas or just drawing a blank when you’re planning, this list can help you move forward.
5. Set aside a planning time each week. If you tend to shop on Sunday, give yourself an hour on Saturday to plan out your menu.
6. Get everyone involved. Whether it’s your roommates, spouse or kids; they’re more likely to go along with the meal plan if they are involved.
7. Make a list. When making a grocery list write out all the ingredients you will need and how many times you need them.
Group your lists by aisle or section in the grocery store to avoid circling around the grocery store. Try using our Printable Shopping List Template to get started.
Once your list is done, see what you have at home already and cross off items you have to avoid buying doubles.
8. Post the menu so everyone can see it. This helps prevent repetitious choruses of “What’s for dinner?”
9. Be flexible. Prepare for days that don’t work. Have some basics in your pantry.
10. Keep a well-stocked pantry. That way you have some wiggle room for changes. Not sure about what to have in your pantry? Check out our Basic Pantry page.
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