10-Step Hack For A Stress-Free Weekly Meal Planning Routine

Want to save time and eat better? Meal planning routine is your secret weapon. It helps you shop smarter, waste less food, and avoid the 6 pm “what’s for dinner?” panic.

With a good meal plan, you’ll eat tastier, healthier meals and spend less money on takeaways. It’s easier than you might think. In just 10 simple steps, you can map out a whole week of delicious meals.

Ready to get started? Grab a pen and paper and let’s dive into meal planning. You’ll be amazed at how much easier your week becomes when you know what’s on the menu.

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Look In Your Kitchen Cupboards FIRST

Before you rush off to the shops, take a peek inside your kitchen cupboards. You might be surprised by what you find!

Start by checking your pantry staples. Look for items like:

• Rice
• Pasta
• Tinned tomatoes
• Beans
• Lentils
• Spices and herbs

Make a list of what you already have. This will help you plan meals around these ingredients and avoid buying duplicates. Get the Ultimate Meal Planner to download and print to help you out.

Don’t forget to check your fridge and freezer too. You might find forgotten vegetables or meat that need using up soon.

Take stock of your canned goods. Tinned fish, soups, and vegetables can be great additions to quick meals.

By using what you already have, you’ll save money and reduce food waste. Plus, you’ll clear out space for new ingredients.

Remember to check expiry dates as you go. Use older items first to keep your cupboards fresh and organised.

This step is key to smart meal planning. It helps you create a more focused shopping list and saves time at the supermarket.

Work Out How Many Meals You Need

Before you start meal planning, figure out how many meals you’ll need for the week. This step is crucial for successful meal prep.

Think about your daily routine. Do you eat breakfast at home or grab something on the go? Are you home for lunch or do you need packed meals?

Count the number of dinners you’ll eat at home. Don’t forget to factor in any nights you might eat out or order takeaway.

Consider these questions:

• How many people are you cooking for?
• Do you want leftovers for lunch the next day?
• Are there any special events or plans that might affect your meal count?

Here’s a simple table to help you keep track:

Fill in the table with your meal counts. This will give you a clear picture of how many meals you need to plan for the week.

Remember to be realistic. It’s okay if you don’t cook every single meal at home. The goal is to have a plan that works for you and your lifestyle.

Write Down Any Meals You Already Know

Start your meal planning by jotting down dishes you’re already familiar with. This step saves time and makes the process less daunting. Think about your go-to recipes and family favourites.

Consider your weekly routines. Do you have a regular pizza night? Write that down! It’s a great way to keep some familiarity in your plan.

Don’t forget about any dietary needs. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to note meals that fit this requirement. This will help you create a balanced plan that caters to everyone’s needs.

Here’s a simple table to get you started:

Remember, these are just ideas to kick things off. You can always adjust as you go along. The goal is to have a starting point that makes the rest of your planning easier.

Add In Your Leftovers Meals

Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! Plan to use them in your meals for the week. This helps save money and reduces food waste.

Look at what you’ve already cooked. Can you turn last night’s roast chicken into a tasty sandwich filling? Or use extra veggies in a quick stir-fry?

Batch cooking is your friend. Make extra portions of dishes like chilli or pasta sauce. Freeze them for easy meals later in the week.

Get creative with your leftovers. Transform them into new dishes. Try using leftover rice in a veggie-packed fried rice or turning extra mince into stuffed peppers.

Keep a list of your leftovers on the fridge. This reminds you what needs using up. It’s a great way to avoid forgotten food at the back of the fridge.

Plan one or two ‘use it up’ meals each week. These are perfect for combining odds and ends into a tasty soup, omelette, or pasta dish.

Remember, safety first. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days. If in doubt, throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food.

By including leftovers in your meal plan, you’ll save time and money. Plus, you’ll feel good about reducing waste. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet!

Add In Any New Recipes You Want To Try

Trying new recipes keeps meal planning exciting. Look for dishes that match your tastes and nutritional goals. Consider searching online or in cookbooks for inspiration.

Think about recipes that use seasonal ingredients. These are often cheaper and tastier. You might find new ways to cook vegetables you’ve never tried before.

Don’t forget to check if the new recipes fit your diet. If you’re vegetarian, look for meat-free options. If you have an Instant Pot, search for quick and easy pressure cooker meals.

Pay attention to portion sizes in new recipes. You may need to adjust them to fit your needs. This helps keep your meals balanced and healthy.

Try to pick recipes that use similar ingredients. This can help reduce food waste and save money. For example, if you buy a bunch of coriander, find a few recipes that use it.

Here’s a simple way to organise your new recipe ideas:

Remember, it’s okay to start small. Try one or two new recipes a week. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed with too many new dishes at once.

Fill In The Gaps

After planning your main meals, it’s time to fill in the gaps. Look at your week and spot any missing meals or snacks.

Do you need quick breakfast ideas for busy mornings? Jot down some simple options like yoghurt with fruit or toast with peanut butter.

What about lunch? If you work outside the home, plan some easy packed lunches. Sandwiches, salads, or leftovers can be great lunch options.

Don’t forget about snacks! Add a few healthy choices to your plan. Carrot sticks, nuts, or fruit are good picks.

Now’s the time to customise your meal plan. Make sure it fits your meal planning style and lifestyle. If you prefer cooking big batches on the weekend, add that to your plan.

Keep your system organised. Use a notebook or app to track everything. This makes shopping and cooking much easier.

Remember, your meal plan should work for you. If you like variety, add different breakfast or lunch options each day. If you prefer routine, it’s okay to repeat meals.

By filling in these gaps, you’ll have a complete plan for the week. This helps you stay on track and avoid last-minute takeaways.

Make A Grocery List

Time to put pen to paper! Grab a notepad and start jotting down the items you’ll need for your weekly meals. Go through each recipe and list out all the ingredients.

Don’t forget to check your cupboards first. You might already have some items on hand. This can help you avoid buying duplicates and save money.

Group similar items together on your list. For example, put all fruits and veg in one section, and dairy products in another. This will make your shopping trip quicker and easier.

Consider your budget when making your list. Look for ways to cut costs:

• Choose seasonal produce
• Opt for store-brand items
• Look out for special offers

Keep an eye out for coupons too. They can help you save a pretty penny on your grocery costs.

Add any household essentials you might need. Things like toilet paper or washing-up liquid are easy to forget but important to have.

Remember to be flexible. If something on your list is too pricey, think about affordable swaps. Your shopping list is a guide, not a strict rule book.

By planning ahead with a detailed grocery list, you’ll shop more efficiently and stick to your budget. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference to your weekly meal plan.

Take Another Look

Before you finalise your meal plan, take another look in your cupboards. You might have forgotten about some ingredients during your first check. This step can help you avoid buying things you already have.

Make a list of any items you spot that could fit into your planned meals. Perhaps you’ll find a tin of beans that would work well in a chilli. Or maybe there’s a packet of rice that could be the base for a stir-fry.

Don’t forget to check your spice rack too. Herbs and spices can transform simple dishes into tasty meals. You might discover a forgotten jar of curry powder or a packet of taco seasoning.

Look for these often overlooked items:

• Tinned vegetables
• Dried pasta or noodles
• Sauces and condiments
• Frozen vegetables or meats

By doing this second check, you can save money and reduce food waste. It’s a win-win situation for your wallet and the planet!

Remember to update your shopping list based on what you find. Cross off items you no longer need to buy. This will make your trip to the shops quicker and more efficient.

Go Shopping!!

Time to hit the grocery store! Armed with your meal plan and shopping list, you’re ready to stock up on everything you need for the week ahead.

Head to your favourite supermarket or local shops. Bring your list and stick to it to avoid impulse buys. This helps you stay on budget and prevents food waste. You could even do your shopping online as you are less likely to be tempted by all the special buys and treats!

Start in the produce section. Pick up fresh fruits and veggies first. Look for items that are in season – they’re often cheaper and tastier.

Next, grab your proteins. Check for sales on meat, fish, or plant-based options. Don’t forget eggs and dairy if they’re on your list.

Move on to the pantry staples. Stock up on grains, pasta, tinned goods, and spices. These form the backbone of many meals.

Remember to check your cupboards before you left. No need to buy items you already have at home!

As you shop, keep an eye out for bargains. But be careful – only buy extra if you know you’ll use it before it goes off.

Lastly, breeze through the frozen section. Frozen veg and fruits are brilliant for quick meals and last ages.

Happy shopping! With your trolley full, you’re all set for a week of delicious home-cooked meals.

Enjoy All Those Lovely Meals…And Repeat!

Now that you’ve planned your meals for the week, it’s time to savour them! Tuck into those tasty dishes you’ve prepared. You’ll likely find that you’re saving both time and money. Get the Ultimate Meal Planner to download and print to get started.

No more last-minute takeaways or pricey restaurant visits. Your wallet will thank you!

As you enjoy your meals, take note of what works well and what doesn’t. Maybe you loved that new recipe, or perhaps a dish wasn’t quite to your taste. This feedback is golden for future planning.

Don’t forget to use up any leftovers. Pop them in the freezer for another day or transform them into a new meal. This clever trick helps reduce food waste and stretches your budget even further.

At week’s end, pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Then, start the process all over again. Each time you plan, you’ll get faster and more efficient.

Remember, meal planning is a skill. The more you practise, the better you’ll become. Soon, you’ll be a pro at creating delicious, budget-friendly menus that your whole family will love.

Keep at it, and you’ll see real success in no time. Happy planning and bon appétit!