Money Tip: Plan to succeed.
Meal planning can be a daunting task, but with some helpful tips and tricks, it can become a breeze.
Write it down – get a piece of paper and write down some of the meals you and/or your family enjoy. Once you have lots of ideas it is time to think about your weekly meal plan. Think about what things you already have in your fridge/freezer or pantry that you need to use up. Think about foods that are seasonal, and therefore cheaper to purchase. Check out the supermarket mailers/websites for inspiration.
Can leftovers be used for lunches?
Can meals be cooked in advance so you can cook two dinners at the same time, not only saving time but also power?
If you are having a busy week ahead, try to choose dinners that are quick and easy to prepare or even look at ones you can make in advance when you have more time. Choose meals that use similar ingredients, so you can save money and reduce waste.
Once you have selected what meals decided, create a grocery list of the extra things you need. This list should include all of the ingredients you need for each meal, as well as any snacks or drinks you might want throughout the week.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your meal planning. Try new cuisines, experiment with different ingredients, and have fun in the kitchen.
Take a night off from cooking by sharing the workload. Find meals that the other members of the family can cook. If children are younger, come up with a simple dish that they can do alone or with siblings.
If you have leftovers that can’t be used for lunch or dinner another day, don’t let them go to waste. Instead, consider freezing them for those busy weeks when you need a quick meal. Having frozen meals on hand can reduce the temptation to order takeout when you do not have a meal prepared.
With these tips, meal planning can become a fun and rewarding experience that helps you eat healthier, save money, and reduce stress.
Takeaways are a lovely treat and many of us enjoy the break from cooking. However, if takeaways are not in the budget here are some alternatives:
“Fakeaways” – Try cooking new recipes at home that mimic your favorite takeaway dishes. There are plenty of online resources available that offer recipes and cooking tips for recreating popular takeaway meals at home.