“What’s for dinner?” I remember as a middle schooler asking my mother this around 4:00pm each day, she would follow with a polite “I am at work get yourself a snack” or “I don’t know yet.” I can now completely relate to her response, she was most likely banging her head against her desk everytime I called.


​I don’t know about you but this question makes me cringe. I will do anything to avoid hearing it! I need order when it comes to dinner and this is how I achieve it week to week.

Pick a day each week to begin planning, mine is Saturday morning sometimes Friday night. 

On planning day…

>> Write down commitments outside the house for the upcoming week: dinner at my parents, school event, going out of town. I write these down on my weekly meal plan notepad.

>> Determine how many meals to plan for based on commitments for the week. For example, if we have swimming lessons one night we may eat out afterwards (no planned meal). Or if I have to stay at work later one day I may prepare a crockpot meal or pasta salad ahead of time. 

         I strive for at least four nights of dinner at home, 1-2 nights of leftovers, and 1-2 nights of dinner
        out per week. Eating out typically happens on the weekend for us because we are always on the
         go. 

         * I always make one extra meal each week for my lunch and divide it into glass containers.

>> Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer for items you can incorporate into the week’s meals. 

​>> With that number in mind begin thinking of at least two meals you can make with some ingredients you already have. Tacos, pizza, and pasta are always classics that can be remade week to week and we typically have the ingredients on hand. Think no fuss meals that you don’t need a recipe for! 

        If your week isn’t super busy try to incorporate two new recipes. I browse Pinterest, Instagram,
        and my collection of cookbooks for inspiration...there are SO many options!
​
>> Write down the meals that you came up with. I like using a notepad specifically for meal planning which already has the days of the week printed on it. You can also use a larger version with chalk or dry erase that can be on display in your kitchen and changed each week (like in the photo above). My favorites are linked at the bottom of this post!

>> Make a shopping list, go through your meals day by day and determine what ingredients you need to buy. Don’t forget to add staple items to stock your pantry/freezer or family favorites for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. I always use the same notepad for my list to simplify things, plus it is the perfect size!

*Take a picture of your list just in case you forget it at home. This happens way too often!

​​>> Go shopping! Or order online! I usually strive for Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Once you get home, wash produce and prep anything that you have time for. This is usually when I make my lunch for the week and divide it out. I eat the same thing for four days of the week and leave Friday open to have leftovers or eat out. I rotate which meals I eat week to week so I don’t become bored. 
 >> Each night, I look to see what’s for dinner the next day. I defrost any meat that I will need, set out non-refrigerated items, and chop vegetables if I have extra time. This makes the dinner come together quickly.


You are ready to tackle the week! This planning time will save you from making bad food choices and lessen any dinner related stress for the week. The more you plan ahead the faster you will get each week. Besides the shopping, I can usually complete the above steps in 30-45 mins. 

Happy planning friends!

Links to favorite meal planning items: 
Framed Days of the Week Message Board
What to Eat Notepad
Post-It 4x6 Notepad