Meal Planning!
Meal planning and preparation is a great way to make healthier food choices and save time and money.
Though it may seem overwhelming at first, there are many ways to develop a sustainable meal planning habit that works for your unique lifestyle.
*Make the time*
The best way to integrate a meal planning routine into your lifestyle is to make it a priority. It can help to regularly plan time that is dedicated to planning.
*Choose your meals*
Start by writing down all your usual “go-to” meals, spread them out over a couple of weeks. Then look for a few new meals to try and fit those into the plan too.
*Think about your schedule*
Choose meals you can easily prepare when you’re short on time. Save ones that take longer for days off or when family members are free to help.
*See what you already have*
Look in your freezer, cabinets, and refrigerator. You can save money by using these items in the upcoming week’s meals.
*Vary protein foods*
Choose different protein foods throughout the week. If you have chicken one day, try seafood, beans, lean meat or eggs on other days.
*Plan to use leftovers*
Think about making larger recipes with enough servings for another meal. On busy days, just heat and serve.
*Build your shopping list as you go*
Keep an ongoing list of foods you need on your refrigerator or on an app and add items as you run out.
*Buy a combination of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items*
Plan for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods in your meals. Eat your fresh food first so they don’t go bad. Stock your freezer and pantry with items you can eat later.
*Keep a well-stocked pantry*
Maintaining a baseline stock of pantry staples is a great way to streamline your meal prep process and simplify menu creation.
*Track and record your favorite meals*
It can be frustrating to forget a recipe that your family really enjoyed or how much a recipe was disliked!