Hi Everyone!
So I'm a big planner so meal planning definitely is my kind of thing but I'm wondering what works best for you guys (if you even meal plan). Now that I've done it a lot, I'm starting to notice what isn't working the greatest for us but I'm not sure how to fix it. Since I'm getting ready to prep my next meal plan, I'd love some of your inside tips & tricks! :)
Here's what I do: I like to plan at least 3 weeks out (sometimes as long as a month out) that way I only make 1 main grocery shopping trip a month but can pick up necessities as we run out (eggs, milk, cheese, bread, etc).
So here is where I run into my problem: Mike changes his mind! (so do I, but I like to blame it on him haha) For example: I had Chipotle Chocolate Chili on the menu 10 days ago because we both wanted to try it but when the day rolled around, we weren't quite in the mood for it so I skipped it but we still haven't had it!
My main question is do you plan each day individually& stick to it? Or do you just plan a set amount of meals & cook them when you want within that time period?
What works for you?
~Ang~
I like to plan for two weeks, but sometimes one week is all that works. If I do a two week plan, I have to go to the store for milk, etc. during the second week. I plan meals for certain days, based on what is going on that day (if I have to work, etc.). Most of the meals I can change to a different day if I change my mind. One thing I do that works is if I plan on cooking a pot roast (like I did today), then I will plan on having french dip sandwiches or shredded beef tacos or whatever later in the week, so that I can use up the leftover beef.
ReplyDeleteI plan 6 meals a week because Sundays we are usually not home. If I cook every night of the week, then usually near the end of the week we will have a leftover night to eat up all of the leftovers from the past meals. Usually on Saturday nights, if we are home, we will have breakfast for dinner. So, if I do it this way, usually I will have one meal leftover that I can carry into the next week. That way, I always have a meal on hand, which comes in handy when things get crazy and I am unorganized.
When meat is on sale, I buy a tons of it and freeze it. I also buy shredded cheese at Sam's Club and separate it out into 2 cup packages to freeze(it ends up being less than 1/2 what you pay for small packages at Wal-Mart). This works really good cause then I have the basics for pretty much any meal and I don't spend a ton at the store.
Sorry for the novel, I hope it helps! Happy meal planning!
I have to say, I follow Marilee's plan pretty closely. I can't do more than 7-10 days at a time for lack of knowing what we are going to want to eat. I play for about 10 days, shop for it and then a lot of times, I switch the meals around during those 10 days if we just aren't in the mood for Beef-a-Roni or Tuna Casserole that particular day. (totally kidding on the beef-a-roni & tuna cass--the thought of each make me gag!) I like to go about once a week for fresh items and I shop the weekly sales. I have tried doing a meal plan for longer than that, but since I still have to hit the store for some fresh items during that time, I feel like I may as well just do one trip once a week. So I would say maybe try doing your plan for a shorter amount of time and seeing if you're happier with what you're having. And what I love about the 7 day plan is that when I plan for 7 days but then we get invited for dinner at someone's house or decide to eat out or something or have a night of leftovers, then I have a bonus meal just waiting to be made and it prolongs my shopping trip just an extra day or so and that is always a plus in my book! Good luck!
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ReplyDeletenot play :) I mean, I'd like to play for about 10 days, but then who would cook dinner if I did?!
I do the same except I plan on my meals counting for two meals so I cook half as much during the week. I guess other people probably don't want to eat the same thing again, but I like having the left overs for another meal so I can cook Monday and Tuesday and then have those meals again Wednesday and Thursday or whenever. It helps for those days when we get really busy, or sick! I also like to do breakfast meals on the weekend, they're so easy and fun.
ReplyDeleteI wish I was better at getting stuff on sale, thats a good idea.
I like Becky's idea best! I want to play for 10 days and then maybe plan for 1 or 2. You all know that I'm not much on meal planning. Every time I try, my "plans" get changed and I have all this parishable stuff in my frig that I end up throwing out because I haven't had an opportunity to use it up. In other words, I learned a long time ago to try to work around your dad and his crazy messed up schedule. I usually bye stuff on sale and figure something out to do with it. I have to say that your girls all inspire me. You are all great cooks and so organized! We eat a lot better at our house now because you're all willing to share your recipes with me, so now we have a much better variety on meals. Thanks for teaching me so much.
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