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| Mean Planning Template |
Why plan ahead?
It Saves Time - at the grocery store because you have a shopping list and at home because you know exactly what you are cooking every night.
It Saves Money - You buy what you need and what's on sale.
It Saves Waste - You use everything up that you have in the fridge and freezer.
It Reduces Stress - Saving time, money and waste in itself reduces stress.
What you'll need
Your calendar or schedule
Access to your fridge, freezer and pantry
Grocery store weekly flyer, online or paper copy.
Recipe cards or cookbooks.
Note pad & pen
Attitude - Put on your Domestic Diva crown!
Here's How
Using the template that I have designed, fill in the top line of boxes Monday - Sunday with your families plans for the week around dinner time. Will you be eating out, working late, coming from an after school activity? Is it someone's special day? This will establish what kind of meal you need to prepare, from none at all, a crock pot meal you can start in the morning, a freezer to oven meal or a special treat for someone. Ask the family for requests, then try to work them in, if not this week, then next. If someone has a birthday, make their favorite
Next, check in your freezer to see what main ingredient you have in terms of meat, fish and vegetables. Same goes for the fridge, what needs using up? Write this down in the boxes provided.
Decide on meals you can make with what you already have and fill in the appropriate daily meal plan box by choosing which day it makes sense to make that meal.
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| Weekly Flyer |
How many more meal ideas do you need? Check your local grocery stores weekly savings flyer (available online and in paper print - offers usually run from Wednesday thru the following Tuesday). Look for savings in the fresh meat, fish and produce sections first. Try to vary the type of protein each day by selecting a meat or fish not already featured on your weeks menu.
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| Family Treasures! |
Still need meal ideas? Go through your recipe cards or cookbooks for inspiration or to be reminded of a dish you haven't made in a while. Once you have decided on a meal for each day, check your pantry and fridge for any other ingredients you will need to make them. Now you plan is complete, write your grocery shopping list. Add additional items you need (see grocery list below)
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Reminder to get foods out of the freezer!
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Share with your family What's for Dinner by posting the weekly menu on a dry erase board in the kitchen.
Tips for a speedy supermarket trip
Never leave home without : Your list, Re usable bags, Your Loyalty card
Write your shopping list in the order groceries are displayed in your store, or like with like.
Shop the edges of the supermarket first - Deli, Meat, Fish, Dairy, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables. Buy the essentials first before moving into the aisles, so you won't be so tempted to buy unnecessary products.
Stock up on sale and BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals, for items you use regularly, if you have room in your budget.
Download your grocery store app and link it to your loyalty card to get e-coupons for further savings in store.
Let your children know before going into the store, that they can earn a treat at the end of the trip, if they have behaved and have been helpful.
Consider letting them choose the cereal or cookies for the week. (Albeit from a list of products you approve of). Give older children their own list of items you know they can find and reach.
Grocery List - Check weekly flyer for sale items
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