4 Strategies to make meal planning effortless

Do you ever feel like meal planning is chaotic? You’re not alone, everyone was there. Even the people who have planned for decades were once at this point too.
But there's light at the end of the tunnel. It’s not just chaos. By implementing the four strategies I’ll reveal here, you can turn meal planning from a dreaded chore into a stress-free experience.

 

1. Create a Master List of Your Go-To Recipes

Start by making a so-called “master list”. It’s a list of recipes you not only love eating but also find easy and enjoyable to make. Whenever you meal plan next time, you can pick recipes from this list. This will make the decision process much easier — since you have only a tenth of the recipes to choose from. When you discover new recipes, add them!

 
 

2. Embrace Leftovers: Plan Two-Day Meals

Think of meal planning in a two-day cycle — cook once, eat twice. This strategy not only saves time but also reduces the mental load of deciding what to eat daily. Plus, some meals taste even better the next day. Just ensure you're storing leftovers safely to keep them fresh and appetizing. Usually, putting them into a fridge is enough.

 
 

3. Single Shopping Trips

Imagine how much time you could save if you did the following — you planned your meals for the entire week and did all your grocery shopping in one go. This strategy cuts down on time spent running to the store and helps with budgeting and reducing food waste. With everything you need for the week at home, you're less likely to opt for unplanned takeouts.

 
 

4. Spice Things Up with Theme Nights

To keep things interesting, incorporate theme nights into your planning. Meatless Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, or Fish Fridays can add an element of fun to your meals. Theme nights also simplify the decision-making process a lot. Instead of choosing from countless recipes, you have a themed framework to guide you.

 
 

Conclusion

Meal planning doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these four tips, you can start the process much quicker — reducing stress and enjoying your life. Remember, the goal is to make your life easier and your planning more enjoyable.

Now that you’re equipped with all this knowledge, don’t waste it! Don’t be that parent who finds a way to make their life better but chooses not to!