The first thing I do is get myself set up. I TRY to do this on Sunday but it often happens on Monday morning instead. I keep mine with a vinyl pocket to keep coupons in (but do not expect much budgeting here, food shopping is the one place I don’t scrimp!). I start by opening to the new week and putting a sticky note on the side.
I also wrote down some frozen Indian food that I decided to save for another week. Along with planning these couple of meals, I jot down on the left margin any plans that interfere with dinner time. Wednesday night I babysit until 5:30 (so that’s always a quick or pre-made dinner) and Thursday night I have class, so my husband is in charge of dinner. Those two things happen every week so I don’t always write them down. BUT also this week my Father-in-law was coming over for the Daddy-Daughter Dance on Friday and Sunday was our monthly dinner with my brother- and sister-in-law.
I like having them written here so I don’t plan a complicated meal that I won’t have enough time to make (or leftovers when guests are over).
In coming up with these meals I first think about what meat/protein we’ll have and I try to spread them out so we aren’t having chicken 3 nights in a row. I like having a meat free night each week although it doesn’t always happen. I also always plan leftovers- usually one or two nights. Occasionally we won’t have enough leftovers for the second scheduled night and instead it will be eggs or fend for yourself (or pizza if my husband gets his way!). I have quite a few meals that I know, but if I’m looking for something new I’ll browse online. I also will look back to my old meal planners for ideas if I’m stumped and I try and take inspiration from friends and the photos they post on social media.
My family tends to stick to the plan fairly well. Things happen and days can get moved around but planning it all out helps ensure we don’t go overboard eating out too much! I do try and get input from my husband and kids, but if I left it up to my kids we would be eating orange chicken every night.
I hope this glimpse into my meal planning encourages you to meal plan for your family! Try out a Limelife meal planner and get $10 off your first order here! And share your meal plans on Instagram and tag me @BMooreLuvn. I can’t wait to see what you cook up!
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