Mastering Meal Planning: Essential Tips for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
If you're tired of the nightly scramble to figure out what's for dinner or find yourself reaching for takeout more often than you'd like, you're in the right place. In this post, I'll be sharing four essential tips to help you master meal planning and streamline your weeknight dinners. From saving time and money to reducing stress and ensuring your family enjoys delicious, home-cooked meals, these tips are sure to revolutionize your approach to mealtime. So grab a pen and paper, and let's get started on your journey to effortless weeknight dinners!
To learn more about the benefits of meal planning and further entice you to give it a try, check out my previous post here!
Set Aside Dedicated Time
Designate a specific time each week to sit down and plan your meals. Whether it's Sunday morning or Thursday evening, having a consistent routine makes it easier to stay organized and committed to meal planning. For me, Sunday mornings seem to be the calmest around my house, so I like to sit down with a cup of tea, my computer, and a pen and paper, and plug away. This time is also nice because the whole family is home and can give input if they would like. The important thing is to decide which day and time is best for YOU and make it a date!
Start with Family Favorites
Begin your meal planning process by jotting down your family's favorite meals. These can serve as a foundation for your weekly menu and help ensure that everyone is excited about the meals you'll be preparing. I like to choose 1-2 meals from our regular rotation that I know I will get rave reviews, then throw in a few new recipes or meals we haven’t had in a while.
Keep it Simple
Opt for recipes that are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, especially on busy days. Look for one-pot meals, sheet pan dinners, and recipes that can be prepped in advance to streamline the cooking process. Some meals I like on busy nights are leftover soup with salad or even tuna fish sandwiches with a side salad. These meals can be prepped and on the table in less than 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Have your calendar/agenda next to you during planning so you can take into account the nights you have evening activities or are working late, and plan for a crockpot meal or leftovers that night.
Need some recipe ideas? Head over to my recipe collection!
Plan for Leftovers
Embrace the power of leftovers by intentionally cooking extra portions to enjoy throughout the week. This not only saves time but also reduces food waste and eliminates the need to cook every single day. And let’s face it, some things are just better left over: soups, chili, pasta sauces.
Prioritizing meal planning can simplify your weeknight dinners and reduce stress in your daily life. By incorporating these essential tips, you can ensure that your family enjoys nutritious and satisfying meals each evening.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you found these tips helpful. If you’re looking for more individualized guidance with meal planning or having trouble finding recipes that complement your preferred way of eating, click here to schedule a FREE discovery call!