Menu planning and being prepared has been one of the best things I could do for my health and well being – and my family too! Also, it’s a great tool for staying on track with nutrition goals and reduces stress when it comes to getting dinner on the table!

I’ve been planning out our family’s weekly menu’s for about 21 years. Doing so has definitely saved me a lot of time, money and energy. Most importantly however, it has created in me a joy for cooking and putting together wholesome, delicious and very satisfying meals. For that I’m very thankful.

First things first

So every Thursday I sit down at my computer, grab my notebook or menu planning worksheet and prepare to make our menu for the upcoming week. I do this on Thursday’s simply because this is when I generally clean the inside of my fridge, make a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up a few fresh ingredients, and do some more meal prepping for the remainder of the week. It works well for me and I’ve made it routine.

The basics:

Review the calendar

I always review my calendar and schedule for the upcoming week so I can plan meals that will work with all the various activities in our household. In doing so, I’ll have a good idea of the type of meals I want to prepare, how to be most creative with leftovers, how much time I need, and the best time to have dinner ready. We definitely have a busy household and don’t want to be trying out a new, challenging recipe when I need to run out the door to get to a volleyball match!

Take inventory

I really don’t like food to go to waste. At all. It’s very important to me, not only to shop wisely and efficiently, but to use what I’ve purchased and prepared! So I take a moment to see what I have on hand and what I need to use up. I enjoy doing this and it’s fun getting creative “elevating” leftovers and turning them into a fabulous meal!

I generally keep a well stocked freezer and pantry, therefore I always check to see what I have and how I can incorporate them into some meals.

Know what’s in season

I love to eat foods that are in season! I find them to be super delicious and it really makes my menu planning wholesome and nutritious.

Building the menu

Now it’s time to build my menu. I have several sources I go to for inspiration. First, I try to incorporate what I currently have on hand. I also check our local grocer’s weekly circular. Sometimes I asked my kids if they have any suggestions, which is usually very interesting! I check my “to try this week” folder or “recipes to try” note in Evernote and see if there are any new recipes I feel like trying. Sometimes I will browse through one of my cookbooks or menu bullet journal for inspiration too! This is enjoyable and it really helps to keep me motivated to sit down and plan it out!

Preparing the grocery list

I start a new grocery list every week and keep it handy so I can jot down anything that needs to be purchased.

Once my menu for the week is completed, I’ll gather together the recipes and write down any ingredients to purchase. Also, I’ll do a quick check for staples and essentials to see if anything is needed.

Head to the Grocery Store

With my list in hand, I’ll head to the store. My list is categorized, which makes shopping effortless and efficient. Rarely, will I have to backtrack to pick up something I missed or couldn’t find!

Make it work for you

Menu planning really helps make each day go smoothly. Even if something unforeseen happens during the day, I know I can easily move meal ideas around and adjust with no problem.

I keep several weeks of completed menu planning worksheets and a menu bullet journal for future reference. It really helps when I find myself in a rut and I’m not sure what I want to plan for the week!

It’s really that simple – and enjoyable!