How to Create a Menu Plan
Planning ahead helps you not only eat well, it can help you save time and money. However, many people don’t know where to start when it comes to creating a menu plan. Plus, there are many different ways to do it. Finding the way that works for you will help you stick to it.
Take Inventory
Take stock of what you have in your refrigerator and pantry. What needs to be used up? How can you incorporate that in your menu plan? For inspiration, take a peek at these menu plans:
Decide on a Method
Decide on a method to record your menu plan. Tech savvy? You may want to use an app like Google Calendars. An old-fashioned calendar works just fine. The important thing is to use a method that you will stick with and that is easy and convenient for you.
- Menu Planning Method #1: iPhone App
- Menu Planning Method #2: Dry Erase Frame
- Menu Planning Method #3: Calendar
Schedule Your Meals
After you’ve decided on your method, you’ll create a list of meals for seven days based on what you have at home to use up. It’s important to take time into consideration. Don’t plan time-intensive meals on nights when you’ll be busy. Or, plan a meal prep day when you chop veggies, brown meat, prepare chicken in the crock pot for use later on. Schedule your meals accordingly.
Create a Shopping List
Once your list is complete, write down all the ingredients required for you to make your meals as part of your grocery list. Try not to make more than one trip to the store per week, so anticipate other needs as well. Will you need staples like coffee, flour, eggs, milk?