Several months ago my husband had knee surgery. We’re still catching up on those crazy bills – and so we’ve made some serious budget cuts to stay afloat. I’ve made it my very strict goal during this financially tough time that we’re not going to be grabbing last minute dinners out, which totally adds up in the money department! I’m really working hard at meal planning as often as possible!
This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Jack’s Pizza and The Motherhood. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for reading!
Meal planning is super simple in theory, especially when you have some great recipes that you love! I know, you’re rolling your eyes at me right now because.. that’s HALF of the battle! I’m just going to drop this link here (to my all time favorite recipe site), and you can thank me later… Ok? Ok!
Plan Your Week!
First things first! You don’t need a fancy menu planner or program or subscription to a menu plan. Simply put – you can use regular paper – or you can be sort-of fancy and use this planner I’ve adapted from MelsKitchenCafe.com.
I throw in our regular daily life information – like Wednesday Nights where I work and my Husband is responsible for dinner – so I can keep that in mind when I’m planning.
Also if there is any pre-prep time, I note that on the planner as well (like if I’m supposed to marinade something or get something together for the crockpot for the morning).
KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid!
Don’t forget the KISS rule! ‘Keep It Simple Stupid’ – This also includes keeping it REALISTIC! – I put a few meals that are labor intensive on nights where I know I’ll have time to prepare them. I go for the crockpot or quick meals on other days where I know I’ll be short on time. As much as I’d love to promise myself to cook a fancy meal 7 nights a week, it’s not likely going to happen. I need a few nights that are so simple that my husband can do them or I can do them while helping with homework or catching up on laundry.
Have a QUICK Back-Up!
I’ll tell you what. LIFE happens!! Real-life moms are busy, and sometimes plans change or you had a super rough day and need a break. These moments throw the schedule off a little, but I try to be easy on myself, too. This is where tired, cranky mom – becomes the HERO mom with very little effort. Consider healthy food delivery near me.
Our family’s favorite backup is frozen pizza – but not just ANY pizza, Jack’s Pizza was born in the midwest and is made with 100% Real Wisconsin Cheese. It helps our family complete dinner on a whim when mom doesn’t have time or energy to cook what’s on the planner. I sometimes put frozen pizza on the meal plan if I know the night is going to be crazy, but Jack’s Pizza typically rescues me once a week from lack of cooking or preparation. STUFF Happens!! Pair Jack’s 100% real cheese and a preservative-free crust with fresh fruit or a vegetable, and you’ve got yourself a meal in 20 minutes!
Keeping things like Jack’s Frozen Pizza stocked in your freezer as part of your menu plan or even as a backup is so smart for when life throws a curveball and you don’t want to spend a fortune eating out!
Make Your Grocery List!
I pull all the recipes from my recipe pile, or print them out. I write down all ingredients from each recipe – unless I’m 100% positive that I’ve got it already. Then I head to the kitchen and check on the ingredients that I already have and cross them off.
I also typically make a 2nd week produce list – I shop for two weeks at a time, but just the first weeks produce so nothing goes to waste.
Don’t forget breakfast, lunch and snack/dessert items!! So many times when I’ve done these lists, I’ve been SO focused on dinner that I forget breakfast, lunch, and snacks. I get to the store and then I’m struggling for ideas or figuring out what I am hungry for at that moment. This causes me to over-purchase.
On A Budget?
Because I’m trying to save money, I typically make a note of things that I’ll get at a different store to save money. I am a pretty big brand-snob though and know already where my favorite products are the cheapest. I also know what I’m willing to bend on in the brand department.
I also make a point of visiting the coupon sites and scouring them for any items that I have on my list. When something that I use regularly is on sale, I buy as much as my budget can handle (Especially MEAT!).
Make a Copy:
I usually make a copy to keep one menu in my purse (so I can see it when I’m out in the morning and wondering what time I have to be home to start food) and the other copy on the fridge. I’ll also pull my recipe sheets behind the menu on the fridge for easy access.
Those are great tips. I always make sure I eat before going grocery shopping and stick to my list.
I have never been a good meal planner, so I just don’t do it. These are great tips though. I might have to get on Pinterest and find some new recipes and give meal planning a try.
I usually plan at the last minute, then find out I don’t have all the ingredients I need. I need to learn to plan ahead.
I have never tried meal planning, but would like to try
I love this simple meal planning chart. I sure would make my life easier. Thank you for sharing.
I really should try meal planning. I know a few people who do and they seem more organized.
Great post I love all of your tips!
Cooking meals at home is good for your budget and your health.
I plan my meals the same time I make my grocery list.
i need to meal plan more. it would make things so much easier
Nice tips. Planning and organizing saves time in the long run
I plan my meals and make my list at the same time. I also keep a running list of staple items I am running low on. A local grocery store delivers for free if you purchase over a $100. I shop for two weeks and try to do fresh produce items more in the first week so not so much spoilage. The delivery really helps not overshop and milk and bread can be picked up relatively quickly and reasonably at local Walgreens or the like.
I love all the awesome tips You are sharing! My favorite one is the KISS tip. It’s simple and useful!!
Thank You for sharing!
very interesting,,something I may try too