How many meals did you prepare over the course of your lifetime? Certainly countless times and most days hold more tasks than you can count. Meals just keep coming no matter how much you need them to slow down. So, if you are a parent or a caregiver you know exactly what I mean, how stressful and time consuming it could be.

Planning a meal ahead of time can help you save time, reduce stress and make healthier food choices. Not every kitchen nor every family is the same, but there are some basic rules that helps anyone to plan a meal in a smarter way.

Set your weekly meal plan

1. Decide on the meal you want to plan: Start by deciding what meal you want to plan, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Consider the time of day, your schedule, and the people you will be cooking for. 

2. Choose your recipes: Look for recipes that fit your dietary needs and preferences (what matters for you and your family) and consider the ingredients you have on hand. Make sure to choose recipes that are easy to prepare and cook within the time you have available. 

3. Make a shopping list: Create a shopping list of all the ingredients you will need for your recipes. Check your pantry and fridge to see what you already have and what you need to buy. This will help you save time and money at the grocery store. 

4. Prepare ingredients in advance: Preparing some of your ingredients in advance can help you save time and make meal prep easier. You can chop vegetables, marinate meat, or cook rice or quinoa in advance. 

5. Cook in batches: Consider cooking in batches, especially if you have a busy week ahead. You can cook a large batch of soup, chicken, chili, or curry, and store it in the fridge or freezer for later meals. 

6. Store food properly: Make sure to store your food properly to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Use airtight containers or resealable bags to store food in the fridge or freezer. 

7. Don’t forget about snacks: Planning ahead for snacks can help you and your kids avoid unhealthy options. Consider packing snacks like fruit, nuts, or yogurt for the kids to take to school or with you when you are on-the-go. 

By following these steps, you can make meal planning a simple and effective way to stay on track with healthy eating habits. 

To simplify a little more your life I prepare for you an easy weekly meal planner. Go get it and have fun creating the meals you love!

Get your weekly-meal planner template