Meal planning keeps me sane. It saves both time and money. Once a week I plan our meals for Monday -Sunday and make a grocery list based on what I need to make those meals. It doesn't take that long and is totally worth it during the week. Here is the plan for this week:
Monday- Dinner with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law for Jason's birthday
Tuesday- Tilapia, rice, green beans
Wednesday-Roasted Chicken, sweet potato, broccoli
Thursday- Creamy Vegetable Orzo
Friday- Out to San Juan (date night)
Saturday- Chicken, Bacon, and Tomato Pasta
Sunday- Vegetable Pizza
How do I do it? Normally I plan on a Thursday night/Friday morning for the next week. I grab a pen, paper, planner, and cookbooks/recipes and start the planning. When planning I keep in mind what we have going on the next week (that's why I use the planner). This way I am able to plan a fast cooking meal on the days that we have a commitment and know what day we have free to go out or have a friend over for dinner. As I look for good recipes I look in the pantry/freezer to see what I need to use, sometimes I base recipes off of that. Whatever I don't have on hand I put on a grocery list.
I have been meal planning close to 2 years and it only gets easier as time passes. If you are just starting stick with it and it will pay off.
I need to know the recipe for Creamy Vegetable Orzo!!! You should post it :)
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