Getting started with meal planning can put money back in your wallet, save you precious time in the kitchen, and benefit your health all at once. In this post, learn what meal planning is and why you should be doing it with your family.
Welcome to the brand new series on the site dedicated to meal planning! Making your way here means you are ready to put a stop to the anxiety of supper time. It means you are ready to take back your evenings with an actionable and stress free plan that will make everyone in your family satisfied during the 5:00 pm dinner rush.
Do you ever have those evenings when you are pressed for time because you have to drive your daughter to cheerleading practice and your son to basketball practice?
What about those days when you have multiple doctor appointments back to back and you just don’t have the energy to cook afterwards? Or when you are stuck in the carpool lane at 3:30 pm and your children ask, “what’s for dinner tonight mom?” Anxiety starts creeping in as you tell them, “I don’t know. We will have to wing it tonight…again.”
Normally in the circumstances listed above, it’s easy to resort to taking a trip to the nearest fast food restaurant and call it a night. Then you realize as you take your last sip of Dr. Pepper through the greasy cup that the restaurant provided, that you are out $30.00 and have added a caloric intake of at least 1600 calories to accompany that loss.
Don’t hang your head in shame. I have been there my friend. We all have at one point or another.
The solution to these issues is a simple one. It’s one that, if practiced over and over, will solve these dilemmas.
Getting Started With Meal Planning
The Basics:
What exactly is meal planning?
Reference.com defines meal planning as taking the time to plan nutritious meals and snacks for a specific period of time. It is a strategic method in planning your daily meals.
Who can meal plan?
Whether you stay at home or work full/part time, meal planning can be utilized by anyone who is interested in organizing their family’s culinary routines.
How can meal planning help my family?
There are multiple benefits when it comes to meal planning.
It can help you:
- Save money
- Save time
- Eat healthier
- Become more adventurous in the kitchen
When and Where should I meal plan?
You can plan your meals either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. From the carpool line, to the doctor’s office, to the comfort of your own home, it can be completed anywhere.
Which method can I use for my plan?
Meal planning has evolved over the years. Online apps and programs have taken the place of pen and paper (although this is still the technique that I use). There is not a right or wrong method when it comes to meal planning. It will depend on what your family’s culinary needs are and your comfort level when it comes to figuring out your method. Experiment and have fun learning the different ways to make your meal plan!
This new series on the site will not only go in-depth when it comes to the basics, but will explore the different techniques and ways to meal plan. From electronic planning to paid door-to-door services such as Hello Fresh, we will explore it all.
I’m convinced with a bit of planning and repetition, you too will be able to take back your family’s dinner time and enjoy multiple stress free evenings!
Time Management and Meal Planning
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Meal Planning Organization
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