So you want some tips on meal planning? It’s more than just thinking of what to make for dinner that day or grocery shopping your regular produce. I’ve learned that the better I meal plan, the easier it is to stay within my budget. And I stress less about what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner for my family.
All it takes it setting aside time to do the planning. I like to meal plan on Mondays (Monday Meal Planning is what I call it). It sets me up for the rest of the week, and I set aside my whole morning and sometimes to the afternoon to get it all done.
Start with a sheet of paper, or if you have one a meal planning worksheet, use that! List the days of the week, meals (you can separate it into breakfast, lunch and dinner), and a grocery list.
Before writing down all the delicious meals you envision making, start by taking inventory of your fridge and pantry. See what you can “use up” before you make a grocery list. And that’s what all your recipes will start with. This eliminates the bad habit of over/duplicate buying food. This can potentially save you money on your shopping trip.
Places that I like to look for recipes on include Pinterest and YouTube. I pin recipes and save them for ingredient reference. And one of my favorite cooking YouTubers has to be The Domestic Geek!
As you plan meals, think of the time it takes to prepare and cook each, as well as what ingredients you already have and may need to buy.
*Pro-tip: Space out similar foods and give yourself a variety throughout the week (example: Protein and Rice, Protein and Veggies, Pasta Noodle dish, Taco night)
I like to plan to have at least two meals be slow-cooked, pressure-cooked or air fried during the week.
And here’s why: - Meals can slow/pressure cook meals while I am away from home
- Air frying is fast and easy to clean
- The appliances are easy to use and have presets
- I love one pot/one appliance meals!
My two favorite kitchen cooking appliances include:
See my video review below!
Suggested viewing
You can shop more of my kitchen essentials here!
I have more detailed tips on How-to Grocery Shop in this YouTube tutorial.
Once you get home, unload the groceries, and prep some food for the week (example: chopping vegetables, separating meats for freezer).
*Pro-tip: Stick your meal planning sheet on the fridge for easy reference for everyone at home! I like to write our dinners on a dry-erase board and any special instructions on a paper.
Here are 2 of my favorite recipes using the Cosori appliances 1. (Hawaiian Style) Garlic Shoyu Chicken
2. Beyond Meat Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
My advice is to make a routine that works for YOUR lifestyle and YOUR schedule! You will see how meal planning can help your week run smoother, and help you save time and money.
Find more tips and a full product review on Life Made Simply YouTube:
FTC: Cosori products mentioned were gifted for review purposes only. This post is not sponsored, nor am I getting any other compensation. Some links are personal affiliate links where I received a small commission for purchases made. This helps support this blog, thank you!
