Meal Planning for a Busy Week

Almost every week, Sunday seems to creep up quicker than expected. I open the fridge to see a half-empty carton of milk and an unopened salad mix bag that has gone bad. By this time, I am famished. The worst possible solution would be to head to the grocery store without a plan. After my own experiences, I have compiled three tips for meal planning ahead of a busy work week.

1. Inventory your kitchen

This step is vital when beginning your weekly meal planning. Inventory your fridge, freezer, and pantry and assess the ingredients you already have. This will save you money and help reduce the food you throw out. A quick Google search will uncover recipes that contain the items you have found in your kitchen.

2. Think Ahead and Gather Recipes

Time management is essential for meal planning. Think of the week ahead and decide how much time you will be willing to devote to cooking a meal. Gathering recipes can be done online, through cookbooks, or even by asking friends and family for their favorite recipes.

3. Construct a Meal Plan

Using the previous steps, constructing a meal plan will be a breeze. Write or type out each day of the week or every other day if you plan to have leftovers or takeout. Make a plan each day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Final Thoughts

I shared these three tips because I know how stressful and busy life can be. I found that breaking down meal planning simplifies what may seem like a daunting task. Your meal plan will help keep your nutrition on track and save you time and money.