Meal Planning 101 – The Why
Let’s shake things up this morning. Because it’s Monday and we all need a little pizazz and fun stuff and happy happy to start the week off right.
We are going to have a little chat today about meal planning. Because I have an insane (insane!) love for it and it makes me all giddy inside. I know, I’m weird. I’m an organizational freak so I can’t help but absolutely love it. Love it, love it!
I get a lot of questions from family and friends (many of whom think I’m nuts) about why and how I meal plan, so I thought it would be fun to talk about it a bit. Show you the method behind my madness. So today, we’re covering the why. And later this week … the how. Because I tried to put it all in one post and apparently I have way too much to say.
Before we get started, this is not meant to be all preachy preachy or anything. This is just why I meal plan and why I love it. Lots of I’s in there. If you don’t love meal planning, that’s totally cool with me. We can still be friends.
So why do I meal plan you ask? Let’s discuss!
1. Major Time Saver!
I know meal planning may seem like more work upfront, but guys. It makes my life so. much. easier. I’ve been doing it for years – even way before I started blogging. Once a week I make a full grocery list. For everything I need all week long – breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. And then once a week I hit up the grocery store. No random trips driving back and forth because I forgot something. Done and done.
There is no staring in your fridge and pantry and wondering and debating what on earth you are going to make for dinner. It’s all planned in advance and everything is in the house.
There’s also no standing around at the store trying to decide what to buy. That grocery list is the golden ticket I tell you.
2. Healthier Choices!
We eat a whole lot more balanced when I meal plan because everything is planned out ahead of time. I make sure we’re getting plenty of greens, fruits, etc. etc. every week.
There are also a lot less unhealthy choices available in the house, so we eat better overall (since I stick like crazy to my grocery list). The only time this plan goes south is when my husband comes to the store with me. He is the king of “oooo do you see these chips? we need these chips, really we do.”
While I do build in days for heading to restaurants with the husband or friends, overall we eat out a lot less. And I most certainly make wayyyy healthier choices at home. I can have a hard time saying no to super-cheesy-full-of-bad-stuff-for-you-appetizers when I’m out.
3. Budget Budget!
Even with all the cooking that I do for the recipes I share here on the blog, we still save a significant amount of money by eating at home the majority of the time. Less eating out + less ordering take-out = more money in my pockets. Which is always a good thing.
We maybe eat out once a week, if that, so we save quite a bit by making our own lunches, snacks, coffee drinks, you catch my drift.
4. Less Stress!
There’s a plan in place. I know what I am making every weeknight. When the husband starts asking when and what’s for dinner … I already know. Badda boom!
For a stress-bucket like me, this is huge.
Also, I mean how happy does it make you looking into a freshly-packed full fridge. I sometimes just stand in front of it and stare.
5. Waste Less!
I can be a major cheapo when it comes to certain things and since I already bought groceries for a meal, you better believe that I am not spending money going out to eat instead and wasting what I bought. Thank you very much. My husband finds this comical … I just think it’s good sense. Yes, there are days when things happen and a meal gets pushed, but that’s not the norm for us at this point.
And since I am buying all my groceries from a list, I don’t end up with random items (which I don’t need) that I then need to figure out how on earth to use. This is especially big when it comes to perishable items. There’s a lot less of throwing things out since they went bad before I could put them to use.
And if there is anything that drives me nuts, it’s wasting food. So another huge win for me.
Side note – if you are looking for a conversation starter – get a chalkboard that you can write your meal plan on for your house. Every single person that comes over wants to chat about it.
So have I convinced you to start meal planning? Good.
Check back Wednesday for part two! I’m going to show you my super awesome method for meal planning (some would say it’s borderline obsessive but I’m going with awesome instead).
Love this! Where did you buy or create that awesome notebook? Menu planning on one open side and shopping list on the other? Meeeee-owwww!
I know – it’s my favorite! I found it on Etsy! It was from this shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetTeaPaperie
I’m slightly bummed that it looks like she’s closed for a bit … and I’m hoping will re-open before I run out!
I’m doing a Pescatarian Challenge this month so I’ve been meal planning (well for the most part, I was great for the first two weeks and the start of this week and now I’m kid of floundering). Thank goodness the weekend is here.
I love the chalkboard. We have an erasable board stuck to the fridge with random notes. It’s be good to use that for my meal plan.
Yes! The erasable board is a great idea – I love being able to see the menu for the week – it helps me stay on track! It’s oddly motivating somehow 🙂
Your fridge looks so organized, I’m totally envious. Since I moved out I now have a much smaller fridge…so meal planning is certainly tough for me because I can’t buy too many things in advance, but whenever I do I am always super grateful!
With four kids (and one more on the way) and living 30min form town Meal Planning has been a way of life for me for years! I don’t really have to put any thought into it anymore, it’s just become what I do…for all the reason that you already listed!
This is something I really have to get better at. Love the chalkboard idea! My wife and I definitely need to get better about not eating out as much. We need to start saving that moolah!!!
I love that chalk board and I totally need one! This post has been a great reminder that I need to get better with my meal planning. Only teenagers make it much harder. You think you’re making dinner for 4 and suddenly 2 disappear and the effort hardly seems worth it!
I know I’ve definitely been eating better since I started working on meal plans, but sometimes I still get stressed trying to fit it into a budget. >_< But it is so nice knowing I have all the ingredients I'll need for the week and being able to work in at least a FEW recipes with vegetables. 😉
I’m not a great meal planner, but I do have a little idea what I’m going to make each week. I really should start writing it down. Great post! Fall = busy!!!! I’m inspired 🙂
I am horrible at meal planning – so I can use all the tips I can get. Other than keeping cooked quinoa, lentils, roasted beets or cauliflower in the fridge ready to be dropped into a quick meal – I fly by the seat of my apron when it comes to meal planning!
I’m the worst at consistent meal planning! I definitely need to know your super awesome method! 😉
Coming sooooonnnn! haha 🙂
Omg I love this, thanks for the inspiration! Where did you get that chalkboard and wire basket underneath it? I need to get more organized!!
Yay! I’m so glad! Here’s the link to the chalkboard (the one in my picture is the size small but they have lots of other sizes! and I have the rubbed black finish (and the chalkboard style, obviously!): http://www.ballarddesigns.com/beadboard-message-boards/272172
And the wire basket is from the same place! http://www.ballarddesigns.com/pe-collection-pocket-organizer/324657
I’ve been meal planning for years now and couldn’t be happier with it. I agree with every single word you said: less stress, since I already know what to make and when, less waste of food and less time spent at the grocery store, ’cause I have my list and I keep tremendously stuck to it. The only time things get a bit out of control is when my dad comes with me at the shop, since he’s like a child when it comes to food and always kinds of begs me to buy lots of unhealthy stuff…Oh, well…men!
Can’t wait to read the “how” post!
xo, Elisa
haha men. Our grocery bill is always so much more when my husband comes with me!
Oh Ashley, I love everything about this post. This is such a great reminder that I definitely need to get back into meal planning again. I slowly stopped about 9 months ago and now I keep making different excuses why I haven’t started again. I always make large amounts so we can freeze extras and we still don’t eat out or order in but since I’m not planning ahead I’m always asking the husband what he feels like having the day of instead of already having a plan in place as to what we’re eating. Love love love your tips and the chalkboard and can’t wait to see Wednesday’s post 🙂
Thanks Kelly! Yay for meal planning!
YES you have convinced me to start meal planning! Thanks for the inspiration! (I really needed it) I never decide what I’m making for dinner until the day of 🙁
I am literally lost without my meal plan. It helps me keep things healthy, within budget (sort of!), and so much easier on week nights!
Yes yes and yes! I meal plan every week and just love it. We save SO much money and keeps us from eating out all the time
I love this! I have been wanting to do meal planning forever, can’t wait for the next post!
Yay! Meal planning is so awesome – I can’t imagine not doing it at this point!
I feel like this came right out of my head. I’m exactly like you in so many ways and meal planning is my savior! I’ve been doing it for almost 7 years now so it’s basically a way of life at this point. The only thing I don’t have is a cute chalkboard to write the weekly menu. I love that! From what you’ve shown us I can tell I would just swoon over your beautiful and well organized home. 🙂
Yes, exactly! It’d be weird not to do it! You should totally get a chalkboard – it makes it even more fun! haha And thank you 🙂
Happy Monday Ashely! I just can’t tell you just how on board I am with this post. Agreed Ditto a million times over. Oh, how I hate wasting food. And I hate making bad eating choices almost as much which is (you nailed it) just where meal planning comes in!
We waste almost nothing with the “golden ticket” and eat so much healthier. Meal planning and over-the-top perhaps list making help me loose the 50 pounds baby fat after child number 2, no easy feat, lemme tell ya! Best of all, those habits have stuck so I kept the weight off, yay!
And we find ourselves wandering into restaurants almost never and saving a ton that way as well =)
haha I doubt it’s over the top – well, at least in my opinion because I’m right there with you! 🙂 It really is the best!
You’re SOOOO right about meal planning, and I’m struggling to get on track with it. I know why I need to big time, but sometimes I just get sidetracked and don’t do it. I pay for it…really PAY…by taking too many grocery store trips, and yes, things get thrown out on occasion (bad me)! I’m getting better, and I want to make it a part of my routine just like exercise — it’s a must. Great post!
Oh the multiple grocery store trips! I so do not miss those!! And exactly – once it’s part of the routine you don’t even really think about it anymore!
Great post Ashley!! I go through phases of meal planning so I await Part 2!! Goodness Gracious Me, that is some organised Fridge!! I’d admire it all day too if it was mine 🙂
hehe thank you! I like organizing my fridge along with just about everything else in my house! It’s a sickness I tell you 🙂
I love this post and I’m looking forward to the upcoming ones! And seriously, you are the most organized person ever! I mean that in the most complimentary, slightly-envious, way. I love making lists, throwing things out, and being neat & clean but it’s not nearly to your beautiful extent. : ) I started meal planning in January – by that, I mean just jotting meal ideas in a little notebook (and constantly crossing out and making changes). Even that small step has helped me be so much more productive and less wasteful. I totally agree with you on the merits of planning ahead. P.S. – my son is always asking what’s for dinner (or lunch)…he’d love that board!
haha this made my day! I’m obsessively organized according to the husband 🙂 I bet kids would have so much fun with the chalkboard! We love it and we don’t even have kids yet!
Such a great post! I try my best at meal planning but with my husband not home every night and often lots of leftovers, my meal planning doesn’t always go according to plan….which is frustrating! I think you’ve officially convinced me to get a chalkboard for writing the meal plan…I think we’ll be much more likely to stick to it that way!
Yes! The chalkboard holds me more accountable I feel – plus it’s just fun!
Meal planning is the BEST. It saves so much time and stress in the dinner department! (it’s also pretty fun planning all the meals too!) P.S. — I LOVE your chalkboard meal planner—so cute!
I am sssooo with you – I LOVE meal planning. I’m always more organized and intentional when I plan. And the best part, I never run out of that one little ingredient. I always have them all! And you are right ~ when you write them on a board, it’s definitely a conversation starter ~ usually “Hey, why can’t we have that one tonight?!” 🙂 Love this post.
Yessss. You never have to worry about anything running out!
haha oh my gosh – I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve gotten that. Or can I come back over on Thursday for ___!
This totally could have been written by me! I thought I was the only one that drove my husband crazy with meal planning. One of my number one pet peeves is having to run back to the grocery store multiple times in one week to get items for meals. Meal planning- I’m telling you. It’s a life saver.
It’s the worst! This prevents me from getting cranky since it avoids that! haha
Meal planning is a lifesaver for me! I also love to do it too! This is such a great post Ashley and great advice. Oh, and I love your chalkboard! Happy Monday 🙂
Love this! And the “ooo chips!” must be a man thing, because Dan does the same thing. 🙂
Ha! It reminds me of when I was a kid and always begged my mom to let me buy cookies or something! 🙂
I just forwarded this to everyone of has ever made fun of me for this. especially my hubby. I too get giddy making the weekly menu!
Yes yes yes! They’re the ones missing out on the fun! 🙂 lol
I love meal planning too, Ashley! I love creating new recipes, planning and prepping for lunches and dinners during the week. You give some great tips! And meal planning definitely helps me eat healthier and save more money!