Deciding what to eat for lunch and dinner every day can be exhausting. Planning ahead and shopping based on a meal plan makes it much easier to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Without a plan, it’s easy to end up opting for takeout or unhealthy choices throughout the week.
After years of trying different methods, we’ve found that this system works best:
Step 1: Create a Meal List
Make a list of meals you enjoy preparing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If it helps, separate them by meal type. Try to include different types of meals—quick and easy meals, more elaborate ones, healthier options, cozy meals etc. This will make it much easier to select meals when planning for the week. Whenever you try a new recipe you love, add it to the list.
Step 2: Keep a “Recipes to Try” List
We’ve all saved dozens of recipes from TikTok or Instagram, only to forget about them and never make them. Instead, keep a list of recipes you’d like to try. Every time you save a new one, add it to this list, so you’ll have fresh ideas when meal planning.
Step 3: Check Your Schedule
Look at your calendar and estimate how many meals you’ll actually be eating at home for the week. Don’t worry about being exact, if you end up eating out more than planned, you can always use the ingredients the following week. Over time, you’ll notice this method helps you eat out less.
Step 4: Choose Your Weekly Meals
Once you know how many breakfasts, lunches, and dinners you need to prepare, go back to your meal list and pick out your meals for the week.
Step 5: Make a Grocery List
Write down all the ingredients needed for your meals. Even if you think you already have something, add it to the list. Before heading to the grocery store, check your pantry and fridge, then cross off what you already have. This helps prevent overbuying or forgetting key ingredients.
Step 6: Grocery Shopping
With your list ready, head to the grocery store, and you’re all set for the week!
HELPFUL TIPS 💡
✅ Prep Your Groceries – Wash and store produce in clear, organized containers as soon as you get home. If possible, chop vegetables, portion meats, or do any advance prep to make cooking easier throughout the week.
✅ Be Flexible – If you planned for a chicken salad on Monday but don’t feel like it, no problem! Swap it for another meal from your plan that you’ll enjoy more.
✅ Use a Meal Planner – A planner with space for daily meals and a grocery list can keep everything organized in one place, this one is our favourite.
✅ Shop Once a Week – Try to limit grocery store visits to once a week to save time and avoid impulse buys.
By following this method, meal planning becomes simpler, healthier, and far less stressful!
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