If the idea of planning meals has caught your attention, you’re probably wondering how to make it a reality. Maybe you’ve got some downtime after your self-care Sunday and want to prepare a week’s worth of delicious meals. Whatever the reason, meal planning is here to help. This approach involves creating multiple meal options for the week or month ahead, serving as an effective food planning guide that saves time, effort, and even money.

For those who find meal-related stress overwhelming during the week, this method is a game-changer. In fact, these benefits are what meal planners rave about, and it’s precisely why they do it in the first place. Despite initial reservations, creating a set of meals all at once can positively impact your health and lifestyle. With 7 simple tips to get you started, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a meal planning pro in no time.

7 Meal Planning Tips For Total Beginners

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What is the overall game plan for meal planning?

When it comes to meal planning, the key is finding a system that works for you and your family. In essence, meal planning involves organizing your meals and your loved ones’ meals throughout the week. This can include breakfast, lunch, or dinner, providing an overall outline for the week ahead. It’s a straightforward food schedule that saves time and money while keeping your dietary needs in check.

By creating an intentional plan of the foods you’ll consume, meal planning becomes a crucial step before heading to the grocery store. This allows you to determine what works best for you and your family, taking into account individual differences and circumstances. There are no strict rules or one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to meal planning. Instead, think about your unique situation, daily habits, and lifestyle.

Consider what you need, what you currently eat, what you’d like to adjust, and what’s practical for you and your family. To make the most of this process, here are 7 simple tips to help you develop a meal planning ritual that suits your needs. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a system that works for you every weekend.

Aim for 80% of planned meals for your first couple of weeks.

When embarking on meal planning, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning every meal for an entire week. However, I recommend starting small and focusing on just one week at a time, leaving some days open for spontaneous cooking or improvisation. This approach allows you to ease into the process without feeling like you’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

By giving yourself permission to deviate from your plan, even just 20% of the time, you’ll feel less pressure and more relaxed about the whole experience. Remember, even experienced meal planners don’t stick rigidly to their plans; they adapt and adjust as needed. So, go ahead and give yourself a break – it’s okay to not have every single meal accounted for. Focus on planning 80% of your meals and leave the rest open for creativity and flexibility.

Set aside a specific day for meal planning.

While many people opt for Sunday as their go-to day for meal planning and prep, it’s essential to find a routine that suits your unique schedule. Whether it’s Monday morning or Friday evening, the key is to carve out dedicated time for this process. Allow at least an extra hour or two for post-shopping meal preparations to maintain momentum in the kitchen. This thoughtful approach will empower you to efficiently layer and cook your meals throughout the week.

Grocery Shop on a full stomach.

By adopting a simple yet effective strategy for grocery shopping, you can significantly improve your ability to stay on track with your meal planning and reduce unnecessary expenses. The key is to wait until you’ve satisfied your hunger before heading out to purchase ingredients for the next meal. This approach helps eliminate impulse buys and ensures that every item on your list gets the attention it deserves.

As a result, you’ll not only avoid veering off course but also enjoy cost savings over time as you make more intentional purchasing decisions.

Prep your food while it’s still fresh & Store foods according to your schedule.

When it comes to meal planning, many people mistakenly assume it’s all about preparing entire meals in advance, with every ingredient meticulously combined. However, as a beginner, focusing on prepping individual ingredients like diced veggies is an excellent way to ease into the process and set yourself up for future success. By doing so, you’ll be able to effortlessly cook full meals throughout the week, just like having your carrots and potatoes already prepped for easy cooking.

Take it one step further by storing your food in a way that aligns with your meal plan. For instance, place your diced veggies in watered storage containers in the fridge, and freeze the excess for later use in recipes towards the end of the week. This simple strategy will not only save you time but also extend the shelf life of your ingredients.

Take advantage of free meal planning apps.

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As interest in meal planning continues to grow, numerous food apps are emerging to cater to the needs of newcomers. For those just starting out, two standout options are FoodPlanner and Mealime – both offering free services that excel at guiding novice planners through the process.

Beyond providing a solid foundation for organizing meals, these apps also provide access to a wealth of recipes, expert insights, and actionable advice, effectively empowering users to take control of their culinary pursuits.

Think double & Incorporate leftovers!

One of the best-kept secrets among meal planners is that they often double their recipes, and what’s great about this approach is that it allows them to incorporate leftovers into their meal plan, saving both time and effort. For instance, you can take a leftover soup and add some rice to turn it into an entirely new meal. This strategy only works if you’re comfortable with the idea of eating leftovers, however.

Doubling recipes also has another benefit: it makes meal planning feel less overwhented. Instead of preparing six individual meals, you might need to double just three recipes. This approach can be especially helpful for those who are new to meal planning, as it helps to streamline the cooking process and save time in the kitchen. By doubling recipes, you’ll be able to space out your meals for the week with ease, making the entire process feel much more effortless.