Meal planning is not an enjoyable task for most people. Regardless of how much practice they have, it always remains a task they usually want to get over with. Meal planning starts with deciding what to cook for which day after considering family members’ preferences and appetites. It gets worse if there is a picky eater at home. However, meal planning does not have to be stressful or time-consuming. You can simplify the process so you can make meals more easily and enjoy it.

How to Simplify Meal Planning

Create a Meal Chart

The first step of meal planning involves making a chart for every day you have to make food. You can download templates online and tweak them to suit your preferences. Alternatively, you can create one using an Excel sheet or draw a chart in your notebook.

Your meal chart should have the days of the week on one side, and all the times you will prepare meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). You can also include desserts and snacks in your chart. You can start with just one week when you are just beginning. When you feel you have the hang of it, you can start making charts that will run for a month so you can plan way further.

Check Your Calendar

For your meal planning to be effective, you must be able to follow your plan. You can only do this when your calendar allows for it. The first thing under this step is to check your calendar/schedule and see what allowance it gives you. Consider the following things: how many people do you include in your meal planning? Can you fit in breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Which days are the busiest for you? When are you likely to receive help? Do you work late, and will that affect the time for dinner preparation?

You should also consider snack options. Which ones are healthy and affordable? Additionally, consider which food items are inexpensive and cost-effective. You should also consider your children’s after-school activities, if any, and on which days they fall. Consider your options if you always have to prepare school lunches for your kids. Finally, are there any days or nights that are takeout or dine-out days or nights?

Fill Your Meal Planning Chart

The next step in your meal-planning journey is to start filling in the created chart based on your answers to the questions above. Include meals that most of your family loves and meals for the most part. You can rotate them, too, especially if you have difficulty developing meal ideas. You can also include any meals you want to learn to cook once or twice a week to infuse creativity into your meal planning.

Ask For Input and Feedback

While meal planning, ask your family for feedback on what you have. Carry them along while coming up with ideas and afterward, so you can be sure you capture their tastes in your plan. Sometimes, you may fill out the chart with what you like or think they want. Therefore, it is best to ask for their input so you don’t end up redoing the whole thing when they don’t eat or enjoy your cooking.

Make Your List and Place Your Order

Once you have decided which meals are going in your chart, you must ensure you have the ingredients. Make a list of everything you will need for the week or month, depending on how often you plan to shop. If you run out of any ingredients before the next shopping date, note them down so you don’t forget. You can also ask for reminders from family members. If you will have the groceries delivered to you, you can schedule a day for this so you know when your items are getting to you.

Prepare For Emergencies

Sometimes, despite your best intentions, you won’t be able to prepare any meals or follow your plan. In such situations, having a contingency plan will save you stress and time. You can keep frozen pizza, fish fingers, or cookies for a quick meal. This way, your family will be well-fed, and you can rest.

Prepare Large Batches

Making food in large batches will save you time and reduce stress. Prepare excess for meals that can stay in the freezer or refrigerator for some time. This way, you can take out what you need whenever you need it instead of preparing food from scratch every time.

Simplifying meal planning will help you enjoy food preparation more and reduce stress while at it. It will also help you save money and time. Additionally, it will reduce the time and energy spent deciding what to make every time and help you prepare healthier meals. Note that you don’t have to follow your plan rigidly. You can always order or make something else if you have to.

#Clique, did you find this article helpful? What other simplified meal planning tips can you share? Let us know in the comments.