5 ways to save time and money meal planning insta.png

Feeding a family can be a daunting task. It’s not necessarily hard, but it’s day after day and always creeping up on you. Meal prep always seems to be happening during the busiest part of the day. Sticking your head in the pantry at 5pm wondering what to make after an exhausting day often leads to take out which is not as healthy and a lot more expensive. Even groceries can also be one of the higher monthly budget items for a lot of families after housing costs. You are not alone in this!! I am here to help!! Let’s save you time AND money on your meal planning this week!

Look at ads for inspiration & sales - buy what's in season. When you purchase fruits or vegetables when they are in season, they are not only cheaper, but they taste better because they are more ripe than the out of season produce.
After looking at the ads, go to a couple stores if you really want to save some money. But if time is more important, then head to the store that has the largest amount of items you need on sale. When there is a big sale on something you use a lot, stock up on some extra to have on hand.
Make a list of 2 weeks worth of meals, and figure out what you need at the store. Make sure you browse through your pantry and your freezer before you make up your shopping list. You may have dinner inspiration just by looking in your own food storage. Often you'll be amazed at how much you have on hand already.
Having an efficient shopping list can make all the difference when you are trying to save money. Make sure you write one up and then bring it with you to the store.
I use the menu planning printable (pictured) to help me organize my meals and then turn it into a grocery list. You can access it in my meal planning printable packet that is available in my FREEBIE Resource Library. I also include a printable guide in that packet for making an efficient shopping list that you can use.

One of our Menu planning sheets included in the Meal Planning Packet found in our Resource Library

Prep multiple meals at a time - for example: if you are cutting peppers for fajitas you are eating tonight, cut up a couple extra for your stir fry you're serving tomorrow. While you are waiting for something in the oven, is there a roast you need to pull out of the freezer for dinner tomorrow? Having your menu plan filled out and handy can help you to look ahead a couple days to see what could very easily be chopped ahead.
You can even include breakfast or lunch prep during your dinner prep time so you can make the most of your time in the kitchen. Doing it this way, you only have to clean up once instead of all day long! That’s a huge win!!
And you know what else? It feels SOOO good to know what you are having for dinner during the week so you don’t have to think about it when you are hungry and tired! The printable meal planning guide will take all the stress out, and walk you through the process. So easy. It’s a game changer.
Look at your calendar. Make sure your dinner plans are realistic with your schedule and plan accordingly. This is where my meal plan can get completely derailed if I miss this step. Some days you may be so packed with activities, you don’t have time to make a big family feast. Maybe take out or a crockpot meal are more appropriate on those days. Another thing to consider is, can you eat a little earlier on these days? Or have a good snack ready and eat later? Looking ahead at your week can help you from being sabotaged!
Ask your kids/family for ideas of what they'd like to eat. When you know what you are spending time on will make others happy, it will feel like less of a chore! If you have a bunch of picky eaters at your house, never fear!! We have a section in our meal planning packet that covers picky eating tips and tricks as well. One benefit of asking your kids for ideas, is you know there will be something on your menu that they can be excited about. It is the worst when you go to a lot of trouble to fix dinner and everyone complains. I understand! I have been there so many times.

Available in our FREEBIE Resource Library. Get the passcode to the library here!

Available in our FREEBIE Resource Library - get the passcode here!

If you are having a hard time thinking of what to make, our meal planning packet also contains 3 Weeks of Dinner Menus to browse through. If you’d like an even broader range of ideas, check out the Family Recipes section of our blog. We have hundreds of tried and true recipes you can look through for inspiration.

Now go sign up to get the passcode for our FREEBIE Resource Library when you sign up for our free newsletter. It will be emailed straight to your inbox!