I've never done a meal plan before, but starting today, I will do this every week. This will save me time (because I won't be deciding what I want to make at the grocery store) and will save me money (because I won't have as much food spoilage and will be buying things that I actually need).
Also as an FYI, for breakfast and lunch, we just make our own stuff, since he wakes up 10 hours after I do. I tend to just have cereal for breakfast and something boring for lunch. I need to change that still.
I plan on running to the store today really quick to just get a couple of things that I need.
Here's what I plan on making as our main course for each dinner:
- Monday– Spaghetti and meatballs. I was going to make this the other day but ran out of time. I've never made meatballs before, so I'm getting my recipe from Thrifty Crafty Girl
- Tuesday– Pasta and roasted vegetables (pictures above)
- Wednesday– Cheeseburgers
- Thursday-Tacos
- Friday– Out for dinner
- Saturday– Florentine Lasagna
Desserts that I plan on making for us:
- Cheesecake
- Apple pie
What's on your menu? I'm always looking for ideas!
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Alyx says
January 9, 2012 at 8:12 amI suck at planning meals. I don't think I'll ever be good at it. I've tried, but then i hate cooking, so it doesn't do me much good!
Amanda says
January 9, 2012 at 8:22 amEverything sound delicious! We are having taco soup tonight & I just might have to steal some of your recipes
P!nky says
January 9, 2012 at 8:59 amI'm soooo bad at planning meals!!! I always mean too but never do. I know I could save lots of money and time planning meals out but always get distracted. GOOD for you for planning. I'll try and send you some recipies too! xoxo
Meg {henninglove} says
January 9, 2012 at 9:22 ami definitely meal plan each week too because it definitely saves money and allows me to avoid the 2pm stress of what is for dinner?? good luck on meal planning id love to share recipes with you
shoppingtosaving says
January 9, 2012 at 9:24 amI made pepperoni rolls yesterday, pasta on Friday, sandwiches for lunch this week (turkey, egg salad), asian chicken salad for lunch later this week, and hot pockets for snacks haha
House of Sykes says
January 9, 2012 at 9:37 amThis is a great start! You know I am a big menu planner, and it really helps cut down on how much we spend, how often we go to the grocery store and how much we spend. One tip – keep a record of what you eat each week or a month so you don't repeat meals too often. Also, try to make things at the beginning of the week that you can reuse in another recipe at the end of the week. For example, if you cook a small whole chicken at the end of the week, you can use the leftover meat to make chicken salad sandwiches for lunches or dinner at the end of the week. Good luck!
Judy says
January 9, 2012 at 10:06 amChicken and pasta tonight…but I could swing by your house for cheese cake 🙂
Allison says
January 9, 2012 at 12:55 pmI am so glad you are doing this!! I have been for a while and it really helps! Posting it on the blog holds you more accountable too!! Yay!!
Jazmine says
January 9, 2012 at 2:06 pmFunny that you posted this because I posted on my facebook that I had this week's meal planned out. Today we're having pizza, tuesday: chicken noodle soup (from scratch), wed: lasagna, Thurs: tacos and Fri- Mac'n cheese
Michelle P says
January 9, 2012 at 2:28 pmThanks everyone for the awesome tips! I will make sure to keep everyone updated.
tinysarah says
January 9, 2012 at 2:49 pmI am the worst at meal planning. Some days I get home and just want to eat an entire pie (or whatever else is quick!). Your choices look delish – I haven't had tacos in ages, should give that a go!
Neely says
January 9, 2012 at 3:16 pmI need to meal plan!
lauren @ crazy ever says
January 9, 2012 at 3:20 pmYou're inspiring me! I did this for one week a few months ago. It worked out really well except I think I tried to prepare too elaborate of meals. Need to keep it simpler I think. 🙂 Would you be interested in writing a post about this for the organizational series I am featuring on my blog right now? Let me know!!
Live Simply- Live We says
January 9, 2012 at 4:24 pmI need to do this more, but I haven't. Sounds yummy!
Sarah says
January 9, 2012 at 4:46 pmCan you come plan meals for the week for meeeee?! That all sounds so delicious!!
laura says
January 9, 2012 at 5:13 pmGreat menu plan Michelle 🙂
Holly says
January 9, 2012 at 5:21 pmI just started making a menu/meal plan more recently and it has saved me so much effort!I am not much of a cook yet, but I am trying!
Debby says
January 9, 2012 at 5:29 pmPosted our menu yesterday, working with a meal plan is gonna save you so much $$ and supper will get on the table on time. When I make meatballs I do a huge batch then freeze what we don't need until later. Making meatballs takes time, I am lazy!! Good luck on you challenge!!
Tabitha Lynn says
January 9, 2012 at 5:37 pmLove this, I used to do that and stopped because I got lazy.
Mr. Taylor and his L says
January 9, 2012 at 6:43 pmthis sounds so fabulous. and that food….delicious!!!xo TJ
Bunnie says
January 9, 2012 at 6:49 pmthis looks delsish! Very Cute Blog!your newest follower :)http://www.angela2bunnie.blogspot.com
Stephanie says
January 9, 2012 at 8:29 pmThis is what I do every week…make out a meal plan and shop for everything at once. It saves us so much money, and it saves me so much time in the evenings. I love seeing what other people plan!
jpkittie says
January 10, 2012 at 2:15 amgood for you on the meal plan – it will save you so much time & energy figuring out what is for dinner. PLUS it is easier to stick to your list when you are at the grocery 🙂