5 Simple Ways to Menu Plan

Many people I meet think they are spending too much on groceries every month. Years ago I was in the same position, spending over $800 dollars a month to feed a family of six.

My biggest problem, lack of planning. I would go to the store each week with a small list of essentials- milk, diapers, bread and come home with hundreds of dollars worth of food we didn’t need. This food would then sit in my fridge and pantry for weeks because I didn’t have a plan to use it.

Then one day, when we decided to get serious about our finances, I realized that even though I didn’t have an income, I could help reduce our spending. The first area I examined (after cutting cable) was the grocery budget. I didn’t have any idea how much I was spending each month, but I was sure I could spend less if I just had a plan.

It was then that I learned about menu planning. I started creating weekly meal plans for my family and shopping lists based on the meal plan. I am sure it is no surprise that my monthly grocery budget was drastically reduced, immediately.

Menu planning had another unintended consequence to our family’s budget. We ate out significantly less, thereby saving our family more money and improving our nutrition. Having a meal plan meant less “oh no, it’s 5 o’clock and I don’t know what to make for dinner” moments that resulted in take-out pizza or the drive-thru.

A menu plan meant I was saving money, my family was eating better, and there was less stress at meal times. I sometimes wonder how I went so long without planning. You know what they say,

Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.

If you are struggling in this area, here are 5 Simple Ways to Menu Plan.

Ask Your Family

If you want to have a successful plan, ask your family what they like to eat. If no one is eats what you prepare your menu planning will be in vain. Every few months I poll my family and ask them to list their favorite meals. I try to incorporate their favorites into my weekly plan. While I can’t accommodate every person every week, if they know I am considering their preferences in my planning they are better eaters throughout the week.

Make a Meal List

I have about forty meals on my list. One afternoon last year I sat down and made a list based on preferences, nutrition, cost, and convenience. Whenever I am having trouble thinking of a meals I go back to my list. Depending on the budget, or other meals I’ve planned, I choose a few off the list. On weeks that I’m really not motivated, I pick all the meals off the list. This list takes the thinking out of planning.

Make a Weekly Outline

I create a weekly meal outline instead of assigning meals to specific days of the week. This works well for our family due to my husband’s work schedule and the fact that with eight people in a house things are always changing. If a doctor’s appointment comes up, that might be a good night for the crock pot meal or if we are going to be home all day I might make the more involved meal on that evening.

Being flexible with my meal planning has allowed me to be successful with the implementation of these meals.

Create Themed Meal Nights

If you are really struggling with meal planning consider creating themed nights. For example:

Monday: Pasta
Tuesday: Ground Beef
Wednesday: Chicken
Thursday: Mexican
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Breakfast for dinner
Sunday: Meatless meal

This works well for families that have a set schedule as well as for families who need a strict routine. I have child who asks what we are having for dinner before he puts the first bite of breakfast in his mouth. Some children do better when they know what to expect and themed nights can really help with mealtime struggles.

Just Do It

The hardest part of menu planning…. getting started. Then make a plan. Here is a basic printable menu plan that you can use to get started.

Set aside 30 minutes a week (maybe 45 minutes if this is your first time) to create a menu plan and a shopping list. Sometimes you can create a menu plan just by shopping your freezer and pantry, other times you can create a plan based on your weekly sales flyers.

Menu planning is really quite simple and once you start you’ll wonder why you waited so long to begin.

Get Help

Okay, I realized I said five simple ways, but after years of teaching menu planning classes and talking to hundreds of home managers I realized that sometimes it is cheaper to pay for a low cost menu planning service than to not do it at all.

Here are a few meal planning services and resources I would recommend if you need help getting started.

eMeals

I like eMeals because they allow to pick your plan based on family size, grocery store, or dietary needs. The recipes are easy to make and the ingredients are easy to find in the store.

They offer a variety of plans including paleo, clean eating, low calorie, kid friendly, budget friendly, gluten free, vegetarian and more.

Every week you receive your meal plan in your inbox as well as a shopping list. It makes menu planning extremely easy.

They offer a 14 day free trial and monthly fees range from $5-$10 a month.

Sign up for a free 14 day trial here.

Plan to Eat

Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them.

It automatically makes your grocery list, organized the way you like to shop, using the recipes you’ve selected. Plan to Eat makes it easier to eat real food, prepared at home, with your family gathered around your own table.

This is a great program if you are on a very specific diet or have picky eaters because you are pulling from your own favorite recipes.

They have a 30 day free trial and the monthly fee is $4.95 a month of $39 for the entire year.

Sign up for your free trial here.

$5 Meal Plan

The $5 Meal Plan is a meal planning service from $5 Dinners. Meal plans include five dinner entrees with sides. Each week they include one freezer friendly, one slow cooker, and one 20-minute meal.

Also included is one lunch and one breakfast, plus a random goodie each week – sometimes it’ll be a dessert, sometimes a beverage, and sometimes it’ll be a snack (sometimes more than one!) – Treat yourself to something fun!

Meals in this meal plan cost less than $2 a person, so this is definitely a budget friendly option.

The $5 meal plan is (you guessed it) $5 a month.

They offer a free four week trial, sign up for your trial here.

The Scramble

The Scramble is a weekly meal planning subscription service that provides meals, side dishes, and a shopping list. You can customize your weekly meal plan by swapping out recipes with their recipes or your own.

Your shopping list is automatically updated when you swap out recipes.

The price ranges from $4-$10 a month depending on the length of your subscription.

The offer a 14 day free trial, you can sign up here.

Easy Breakfast Stations

If you need a little help in the morning check out this breakfast station idea. The basic idea is that your breakfasts are set up and ready to go so the kids can help themselves to a healthy breakfast. There is a free version, and a paid version that is $3.99.

Save Money. Better Nutrition. Less stress. What’s holding you back from menu planning?