Mastering Meal Planning: Tips for Eating Healthier and Saving Money

Meal planning has been a game-changer for me. Not only does it help me and my family eat healthier, but it also saves money and reduces stress during the week. If you’re looking to streamline your meals and make life a little easier, here are some strategies that work for me:

Organize Your Favorites

Start by creating a dedicated space for storing your go-to meals and recipes. I like to sort mine into categories like “Quick & Easy Everyday Meals” and “Special Occasion Dishes.” This makes it simple to pick something that fits the day’s vibe and time constraints.

Shop Smart

I aim to do my main grocery shopping on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Stores are usually restocked by then, and it’s before the busier rush later in the week. If we need anything over the weekend, I send my husband because I’m not a fan of crowded stores!

Simplify Early in the Week

On Monday and Tuesday, I stick to simple meals like pasta, soup with sandwiches or wraps, or even breakfast for dinner. These options use pantry staples and require minimal prep. Sometimes, I’ll defrost something I’ve previously frozen to make dinner even easier.

Cook Once, Eat Twice

Whenever possible, I double recipes so we have leftovers for lunch the next day or meals to freeze for the future. This small effort during meal prep can save a lot of time and stress later.

Plan for Big Meal Prep Sessions (If It Fits)

While I aim for larger meal prep sessions on Wednesday night or Sunday, they don’t always fit into my schedule. When I do, I prepare some meals to freeze and others for the week ahead. Even prepping a few items, like chopping vegetables or cooking grains, can make weeknights smoother.

Take Stock Before Shopping

Before heading to the store, I take a quick inventory of my fridge, freezer, and pantry. This helps me identify ingredients I need to use up and staples running low. From there, I create a shopping list tailored to the meals I’m planning.

Get the Family Involved

I like to talk with my husband and children about what they want for dinner and which meals they can help with—or even take charge of. This collaboration not only lightens my load but also gives everyone a sense of ownership in the process.

Plan the Week with Flexibility

I map out dinners for the week, accounting for leftovers that can double as lunches or be frozen. To keep things organized, I write the menu on a dry-erase calendar on the fridge. Life happens, though, so I stay flexible, swapping meals if something unexpected comes up.

Use Technology for Your Grocery List

The Keep app has been a lifesaver for our family’s grocery list. Everyone in the household can access it, add items, or check them off if they’ve been purchased. I also save a few recipes in the app so I can quickly adapt if I can’t find an ingredient for a planned meal.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just takes a bit of practice and routine. If you’d like help creating custom meal plans for a week or a month, click here to contact me. I’d love to support you in making mealtimes easier and more enjoyable!