Do you want to meal plan but are unsure how to get started? By the end of this blog, you’ll have the confidence and step-by-step instructions you need to start your first successful month of meal planning!
Inventory & Organize
The first step to planning your meals is proper inventory and organization. This will take some time, so set aside a few hours to complete it. It won’t be time-consuming each month. Once your food has been inventoried, adding and subtracting items will be easy.
Go into your pantry, fridge, and freezer and write down each item along with the quantity. Use a journal like this one to keep your inventory organized. These items should be the foundation for your meal selections in the next step. Try to utilize all the food you currently have in as many meals as possible. Your inventory data will help you identify items that are going to waste and selections you should buy more of.
Don’t forget to check the expiration dates on all items and purge what you don’t need. It will be easier to see and prepare your food when all the unwanted items are out of the way.
Plan Your Menu
Use the inventory you created in step one to start making a plan for your meals throughout the week. Make sure you compare your meal plan to your regular calendar so you aren’t scheduling complicated meals during busy days.
Gather all recipes in one place to make your prep and cooking time run smoothly. Now is the perfect time to include new recipes and special meals. You can also share your plan with your family, so everyone has a chance to have their favorite meals. Incorporating seasonal produce into your plan can save money and ensure your diet is full of fresh fruits.
Make your grocery list.
Now that you have a plan for all your meals, it’s time to create your grocery list. Your inventory will help you to avoid buying items you already have. Make sure you include the quantity of each item you need on your grocery list, so you have enough of each ingredient.
Cross-reference your list with local sale papers so you can get the best deals and buy in bulk to maximize your savings. Get a meal planning journal like this one with grocery lists included so you can take all your meal planning materials to the store with you in one convenient book.
Plan out your meals and snacks each week.
Don’t forget the snacks! One common misstep in meal planning is forgetting the inevitable need for snacks between meals. Make sure you’re incorporating snacks into the meal plan for each day. Opt for snacks with a longer shelf life (like raisins, nuts, and dried fruit), so you don’t have to worry about wasted food on the days you aren’t in a snacking mood.
With a bit of planning each month, you can save money, time, and stress with meal planning. Get started today and take control of your food!
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