Deciding what to cook every day can be a huge chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you love to cook or would rather be anywhere else besides the kitchen, planning your weekly groceries and meals is a good idea. You’ll not only save time and money, but also reduce stress. Let’s break this mountain down into easily digestible bites with these menu planning resources.
I’ve included a lot of my own posts in these menu planning resources, but also a few from other bloggers who have great ideas.
Menu planning resources
Printables
A cute, printable meal plan page can make meal planning at least a little fun. It keeps you organized and helps build a routine. Plus, you can post it on the refrigerator so you aren’t asked “What’s for dinner? a thousand times per day.
1. All-in-one menu planning system | One Mama’s Daily Drama
In this step-by-step tutorial, make a book of your family’s go-to recipes and organize using sticky notes.
2. Chalkboard style printable menu planner | Busy Mom’s Helper
This simple planner includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. {Made by me for Danielle – matches this freezer inventory printable.}
3. Printable weekly meal plan | Strawberry Mommycakes
This printable includes a grocery list by department and a daily serving checklist.
Beginner tips
Many people say the hardest part of meal planning is getting into the habit. Here are some ideas that will get you started.
4. Menu planning tips for beginners | One Mama’s Daily Drama
If you don’t even know where to start, this is a great intro post.
5. Kids cooking camp | 30 Handmade Days
This post includes tips for teaching, kitchen rules, and a chart of age-appropriate kitchen skills.
6. Easy freezer cooking for beginners | The Gracious Wife
If you’re thinking about starting to make freezer meals, this is a great read.
Services and programs
Sometimes you need a few outside resources.
7. The Fresh 20 | One Mama’s Daily Drama
This menu planning service limits your shopping list to just 20 items.
8. My Fridge Food | website
Enter what you have and this website will suggest meals to make.
9. Weelicious Lunches | One Mama’s Daily Drama
I reviewed this cookbook by foodie mom blogger Catherine McCord.
Saving money
Let’s face it, food isn’t cheap. And when it is, it probably isn’t quite as tasty or healthy. Here are a few ways to cut back on spending without sacrificing quality.
10. The $20 meal plan | Frugal Farm Wife
Can you eat on $20 a week? Her plan is meant to be short-term and this is a great way to save when your budget is nearly nothing.
11. How to cut your grocery bill in half | Living Well Spending Less
Ruth always has a straightforward approach. If your spending feels out of control, her tips are fantastic.
12. 100 low budget meals anyone will love | Food Storage Moms
There are a few things on here that might not appeal to everyone, but this is a great list of quick-fix meals.
Creative ideas
When dinnertime and meal planning are fun, you’re much more likely to stick to the routine. You might even look forward to it.
13. Family dinner themes | One Mama’s Daily Drama
Plan a family dinner night with an activity, game, and menu based on a film.
14. How to get picky kids to love vegetables | One Mama’s Daily Drama
Kids hating vegetables is a common parenting woe. Here’s how I got past it.
15. Family dinner book club | Growing Book by Book
A craft, discussion questions, and menu to go along with a list of books.
I could talk about meal planning resources all day, but I don’t want to overwhelm anyone. If you have a question, please leave a comment or shoot me an email.
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