Ten tips to take the pain out of family meal planning + free e-cookbook

Planning family meals can be a game-changer for busy households, ensuring that everyone gets nutritious and delicious food without the daily stress. Dedicating a little time each week to meal planning can save money, reduce food waste, and let you enjoy more quality time with your loved ones.

Try the family meal planning challenge. Choose one day a week to plan your meals for the next 6 weeks, and commit to creating a menu that fits your household needs. Consider these tips to help in the meal-planning process.

1. Get Everyone Involved. One of the best ways to make meal planning work is to involve the whole family. Get their opinions on what they’d like to eat for the week. You can even make a game out of it by letting them pick a daily theme, like Taco Tuesday or Pasta Night. This not only helps you with planning, but it also gets the family involved and excited about the meals.
2. Plan Around Your Family’s Schedule. Look at your calendar for the week and plan meals that fit your schedule. If you know you’ll have a busy evening, choose something quick and easy, like stir-fry or sandwiches. On nights when you have more time, you can try out a new recipe or make a family favorite. This way, you won’t feel rushed, and you can enjoy cooking.
3. Keep It Simple. You don’t have to make fancy meals every night. Simple dishes like spaghetti, grilled cheese, or chicken and rice are great and easy to prepare. Stick to recipes with a few ingredients and quick cooking times to help save you time and stress.
4. Cook in Batches. Make meals you can eat over a couple of days, such as a big pot of soup or a casserole. You can also freeze portions for later, ensuring you always have a meal available, and you won’t have to cook every night.
5. Use a Meal-Planning Chart. Plan your weekly menu and attach it to the fridge so everyone knows what’s for dinner. You can also use the chart to keep track of ingredients you need to buy.
6. Shop Smart. Make a grocery list before you head to the store. Stick to it to avoid buying things you don’t need, helping keep your budget in check. Plan meals that use some of the same ingredients, like chicken or veggies, so nothing goes to waste.
7. Prepare Ahead. Find a block of time and use it to prepare ingredients for the week. Chop veggies, marinate meat, or cook grains like rice or quinoa beforehand. This will make busy evenings easier.
8. Be Flexible. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. If you’re too tired to cook, have backup options like frozen pizza or a salad. It’s important to be flexible and not stress if you need to change your plan.
9. Make It Fun. Turn meal planning into a fun family activity. Let your kids help choose recipes and prepare and cook. You can try new foods together or make a recipe from a different country each week, which can help make mealtimes something to look forward to.
10. Be Consistent. The more you plan, the easier it gets. Try to make meal planning a regular habit. Stay consistent, whether it’s Sunday afternoons or another time that works for you.

Check out our free Create Better Health online course to learn more about cooking nutritiously on a tight budget. The course is also available in Spanish. 

Ready to commit to 6 weeks of family meal planning? Our free Create Better Health family mealtime cookbook can help you get started!

PHOTO: Family cooking food together at home. (Adobe Stock │ #371465448 – AntonioDiaz)