"7 Easy Steps for Simple Meal Planning for Beginners"

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Meal planning is a great way to take control of your diet and make sure you and your family are serving fun, healthy, and delicious meals throughout the week. It can also save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Here are some tips and tricks for successful meal planning:

Tip #1 - Set aside some weekly time to plan your meals.

It can be as simple as setting aside 20 to 30 minutes a week to brainstorm some meal ideas and make a grocery list. I am old school, so I have an Excel sheet on the fridge with the weekly meal plan. This helps in communicating the week's plan to the older kids and, in the long run, teaching them the basic structure of running a home, hopefully benefiting them in the future.

Tip #2 - Consider your schedule and factor in any events or activities affecting your meal plan.

For example, if you have a busy week ahead, plan for some quick and easy meals that can be prepared beforehand. Keeping your calendar current is critical as a parent with children in sports, orchestra, art exhibits, open houses, etc.

Meal Planning is the new fast food.

Tip #3 - Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with healthy staples like whole grains, lean protein, and fresh produce.

This makes it easier to whip up a nutritious meal on the fly. After meal prepping for a while, you will develop a stable core weekly shopping list with enough flexibility for new recipes with many of the same proteins, vegetables, and grains.

Tip #4 - Don't be afraid to repeat meals throughout the week.

This can save you time and money and ensure you get the necessary nutrients. I use this approach for breakfast, rotating cold cereal with fresh fruit, Oatmeal with fresh fruit, Breakfast Sandwiches, Egg Muffins, and Breakfast Tacos/Burritos.

Tip #5 - Get creative with leftovers.

Roasted vegetables can be turned into a tasty salad, leftover chicken can be shredded and used in tacos or stir-fry, and cooked grains, such as rice, can be added to soups or salads.

Tip #6 - Try new recipes and cuisines to keep things interesting.

This can also help you discover fresh favorite foods and ingredients. I have often found the classic dishes with a new twist a fun way to add variety to your weekly menu.

Tip #7 - Use technology to your advantage.

Meal planning apps and websites can help generate meal ideas, create grocery lists, and even track calorie intake. If you have food sensitivities in your home, as I do in mine, these resources are beneficial.

With these tips, you can make meal planning a breeze and enjoy healthy, delicious meals all week. Try it and see how it can transform your diet and lifestyle.

Below are some of our Meal Planning recipes:

Shredded Spicy Pork: This simple and delicious protein can be incorporated into Breakfast Tacos and Burritos, Shredded Pork Tacos, Taco Salads, Flautas, and Tostadas which will provide a lot of variety over a few weeks of "Taco Tuesdays."

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