Many evenings, we ask ourselves the same question, "what should we do for dinner tonight?" Then we race to the grocery store to buy exactly what we need to make that one special meal (or we settle for the local takeout because we don't have enough time to shop and cook.) At the end of the week, our wallets are light and our gas tank is empty, and we ask ourselves how we can plan better.
Well, fear no more, that's where menu planning comes to the rescue to solve this ongoing problem. Menu planning doesn't have to be complicated (don't we already have too many complicated and stressful things in our lives to deal with as moms?!). But I guarantee that if you follow these simple steps outlined below, you will never have to dread the question; what's-for-dinner-tonight, and you will be well prepared to conquer this dilemma and have more time to sit down and relax in the afternoons, rather than running to the grocery stores nearby.
Why Menu Planning?
Menu planning will save you time AND money. Who doesn't want that?!
Still not convinced? Check out this post at Mommysavers about 15 ways to save money by Menu Planning.
When?
I usually menu plan on Thursdays or Sundays for 20 - 30 minutes, after I get the newspaper ads. Which ever day you choose, it should only take 30 minutes of your time or less.
How often is really up to you. I do my shopping once or twice a week to get fresh vegetables and fruit so I do menu planning once a week. You can plan menus for a week, two weeks, or for a whole month.
How?
- First you need your store ads, then paper and a pen (You can print this printable menu planner sheet to use.)
- Next, take an inventory of what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Write them down by dividing them into three sections: Meat, Vegetables, carbs, and staples (bbq sauce, ketchup, mustard, etc.)
- Circle what's on sale in your grocery store ad that week, and add them to your list from Step 2.
- Start planning the meals for the week using one of the few options below:
Option 1 - Recipe Websites: If you are using the internet, you can go to these following websites, enter the ingredients in the search engine and look at the recipes. Add the recipes that you like to your menu plan list until you have as many recipes as you need.
Taste of Home
Tammy's Recipes
all Recipes
Kraftfoods
Note: These are only few of recipe websites that I use.
Option 2 - Google Search: You can also use Google to find recipes. For example, let's say I have chicken, broccoli, and cream cheese in my inventory list. I type those ingredients in the google search box, add the word "recipe" at the end, and it will list all the recipes where the ingredients are included. An example of this is the "Creamy chicken Recipe" I found. Once you find your recipe, print it or write down the name and the website where you found it.
Option 3 - Recipe Book: If you are using recipe books, check the index or go through each section by meat or by vegetables if you are planning a vegetarian meal. Write down the recipes with the book title and page next to it.
That's it. Now all you have to do is create your shopping list.
Money saving tip: Use the coupon database to search for coupons (enter the coupon you are looking for where it says description, click on the "search" button to list all the sources where you can find the coupon. try it). Gather all your coupons and head to the grocery store.
Note: I only plan for dinner menus. Breakfast and lunch seem to be about the same each week. Breakfast usually consists of oatmeal, waffles, eggs, croissant, and French toast or pancakes. Lunch is mostly leftovers, Mac and Cheese or chicken nuggets with veggies and/or fruit.
I would love to hear from you about menu planning. Do you menu plan? Do you have any tips to make it quick and easy? What's keeping you from menu planning?
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