Like most, our days are filled to maximum capacity with very little wiggle room, both in terms of time and finances. Work, school, kids & extra-curricular activities, family demands … the list can go on and on.
Unfortunately, one of the first things that can be neglected when we are tired and stressed is meal planning. During those stress filled, busy times in our lives, let’s face it, it’s just plain easier to eat out. But, have you ever gotten to the point where you eat out so much that the restaurants in your area know you by name? Does your local pizza delivery place know your voice and doesn’t even ask you for your address anymore?
Maybe now is a good time for a pre-emptive strike. Start by planning a month’s worth of menus. That’s four weeks of easy meals that your whole family enjoys which share common ingredients.
Why Plan Ahead?
Because Planning ahead:
- Saves us from having to create a new menu each week
- Save us time in making grocery lists
- Save us money
- Save our waistlines from expanding
After the four weeks are over, just start over again. Four weeks is enough to give some variety.
The goal is to make meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation as simple and automated as possible. If it’s not simple and easy, it won’t happen.
Another benefit of planning ahead… it saves money by cutting down on impulse buying!
Do you plan out your meals each month? How about weekly? What works for you and what doesn’t? Share your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to hear!
Next week, we will share How-to Create your own Monthly Meal Plan.
Image: Stockfresh
Edited & Revised from the original by Amanda Darlack, Living Peace Professional Organizer Alum.
