Try to time foods to finish cooking just at mealtime.Invest in some appliances (e.g., microwave oven, toaster oven, pressure saucepan, and food processor) that may reduce preparation time or cook foods in less time.Group equipment and utensils near the area where they are most often used. Assemble the recipes in a recipe file or box, or put them in a loose-leaf notebook. Find recipes for fruits and vegetables that the family likes, even the child who is a picky eater. Include a variety of lean beef, poultry, and fish and at least one meatless dish. These should be nutritious, tasty, easy to make, and quick to prepare and cook.Ĭollect several low-cost, nutritious recipes for main dishes to put in your rotation, and serve them often. Most cooks rely on a core of about 10 favorite recipes for family meals. Recipes: When you serve your family members’ favorite foods, you make meals more enjoyable and avoid waste. Include at least one “planned-over” meal per week to use leftover food from another meal. A dessert, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or pudding, is optional. Serve milk and another hot or cold beverage. Choose side dishes that go well with the main dish and contain plenty of raw and cooked vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (e.g., bread, pasta, rice, or cereal). The main dish, which is the base around which the rest of the menu is planned, should provide a serving of protein (e.g., lean meat, some beans, or a low-fat dairy product).
#Meal planning ideas for families plus
It should include all daily meals plus snacks, even those eaten away from home.Ī Simple Meal Plan: Here is an example of a simple meal plan or menu writing system to help you get started. When you feel comfortable with that, add in one meal at a time until you work up to a weekly plan. Start with a simple plan that includes your family’s main meal of the day. Check grocery store ads for sale items that you can use in your menus.As you run out of staple food items during the week, add them to the list. Keep a grocery list in the kitchen where you can see it.Plan to use these foods in your menus to save money at the store. Know what foods are in the refrigerator and freezer, cupboards, cabinets, and pantry. Inventory the foods you have on hand and what you need to buy.Next to each meal, write the ingredients that you need to prepare it. Plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or five to six “mini-meals” per day. Make enough menus for about a two-week cycle.When you try a new recipe that everyone likes, add it to the list. Write a list of the foods your family likes to eat and keep it taped inside the kitchen cabinet.This allows you to buy the right amount of food. Note your family’s schedule, which meals and snacks will be prepared at home or eaten away from home, and how many people will be eating each meal.Make a food budget and determine how often you will shop, preferably no more than once a week.Once you get used to it, making a weekly meal plan will seem easy. Although it takes a little time upfront, it can save time in the long run.
Making a meal plan is easier than most people think. Leftovers are used up before they spoil.There is no waiting while something thaws.It provides a better variety of meal choices, and the same foods aren’t served too often.No time and energy are wasted frantically searching through the pantry for a certain food.It relieves the stress of wondering what to cook for dinner at the last minute.Here are some benefits of having a menu plan.
#Meal planning ideas for families how to
Learning how to plan menus may save more money on your food budget than any other skill, allowing you to buy other necessities with the money saved. In fact, preparing a simple meal at home takes about the same amount of time as driving to a fast-food restaurant or ordering a pizza. Taking the time to plan basic simple meals for the week saves time, money, and stress. Preparing and eating meals at home is a better choice for many reasons.įaith Isreal, ©2021, Clemson Extension Meal Planning Saves Time, Money & Stress
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