Meals Made Easy

Step 1: Take inventory of your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer

• Make a list of items you already have on hand.
• Check expiration dates on canned goods, spices and foods in the freezer and refrigerator. Toss out any that are past their expiration date.

Step 2: Make a go-to meal list

• Brainstorm all of the meals you make and your family enjoys. Write down or type this list and include all types of meals, even if you think they aren’t healthy.
• Categorize the list by types of main dish: chicken/turkey, fish/seafood, beef/pork, meatless, pasta, etc.
• Note which meals are good for leftovers or freeze well, which meals are fast to prepare and which meals are the healthiest.

Step 3: Plan the menu for at least one week at a time

• Review your schedule and your family’s schedule for the week. Plan for fast meals on nights when you have less time to cook.
• Look for recipes or meals that use items you already have to save time and money.
• Consider ways to modify some meals to make them healthier options so you can include them on the menu more often.
• Plan for meals that use similar ingredients.

Step 4: Write your shopping list

• Review your menu and inventory list of items you have on hand.
• Only add the items to your list that you need.

Step 5: Be a smart shopper

• Use coupons only for items you need and will be able to use.
• Make sure using the coupon is a good deal. Sometimes the store brand is less expensive than the national brand, even with a coupon.

Having a game plan, like your Go-To meal list and weekly menu, is a great start to help save money so that you can live better!

Do you have any other suggestions or ideas for quick meal planning? Leave a comment.