Simple Family Meal Planning

Meal planning, what a concept: 

Save yourself stress and money!

Honestly, I have never had a desire to plan meals. I am a real foodie and love to cook and be creative, so I have never had a desire to plan. So what changed? To be frank, I needed to learn to live on less. I knew I was not going back to work part-time as I had always done in the past, and I needed to find a way to cut some costs in our life. 

To start with, I followed Dave Ramsey’s book and got myself on a strict budget. I realized pretty quickly that food was an area that I was way overspending. I also noticed that we had lots of food waste from expired food in the pantry and fridge. 

So how did I do it? Here are my best tips for a simplified food planning system for your family. 

These steps have helped me save a ton of money, create less food waste, and feel way less stressed as a Momma. 

1. See what is actually in the pantry, fridge, and freezer.
2. Get out a planner sheet or notepad and pen.
3. Plan your meals for the week. Base your meals on your budget and supplies you already have. Use your “go-to” recipes if you don’t have time, energy, or a desire to make new ones. I only plan for dinners.
4. Make a grocery list. Only what you need!
5. Hit the store with your list.
6. Stick with it and watch how much ENERGY and MONEY you SAVE!

Your family won’t care if you have Tacos and spaghetti every week. Just use your old stand by recipes and give up the guilt. Use the air fryer and the instant pot; these things help with saving time. 

I even asked my kids to cook once a week, and they LOVE it. 

I will say that this has saved the “what’s for dinner” saga I had to deal with every night. It has really helped simplify my life as a Momma, and I hope it brings a little peace to your family.