Meal Planning Tips

How often does 4:30pm come around and the kids are asking what’s for dinner and you’re starving and it’s super easy to just throw in the frozen pizza? Trust me, I get it - there are days for frozen pizza. But, how do you find the rhythm of planning nutritious meals for your family that doesn’t overwhelm you?

Meal planning is asking the “what’s for dinner” question once for the whole week, instead of every night. There may be some concentrated work up front, but the planning - and even money saving - will help you and your family in the long run! 

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Choose meals that bless you with leftovers. This makes for an easy lunch the following day!
2. Pick recipes based on common ingredients. Start looking at what you already have in your fridge, freezer and pantry. Shopping your home kitchen can help you decide on recipes and avoid wasted food.
3. Cook recipes you know and one new recipe. Assemble a master list of recipes you know you can make week after week and your family will love it. Then add one or two new recipes in the rotation when you want!
4. Keep it simple! If spending Sunday prepping in the kitchen is your thing, that’s great. But if it’s not, it’s ok to have a loose plan, repeat the same meals weekly or throw together a pot of soup you can enjoy multiple times through the week. 
5. Look on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. There are so many easy recipes that you can find online. Share them with your friends too!
6. Plan a takeout night. Make it fun and special for your family to enjoy!