First, know that the meal planning thing is a work in progress and a very individual one. What works for your best friend, may not work for you. And what works for you now, may not work next year. I have found that if meal planning seems to hard, I just won’t do it. So here is my most recent attempt to simplify the process.
Designate Theme Days
I took a tip from the “old days,” when in Swedish households everyone had soup and pancakes on Thursdays and fish on Fridays. Having dedicated themes for some or even all nights of the week helps eliminate the number of choices for that day. It also helps the family be on the same page—everyone knows that it’s Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday or Takeout Thursday. (And no, the themes and days don’t have to start with the same letter like that, although you have to admit, it sounds catchier!)
My theme days are of course subject to change now and then. In the winter, I tend to do a crock pot meal or soup on one night of the week, but in the summer, that night may be “grill night”.
Just Plan Dinners
I have also been focusing more on just planning dinners. While planning out breakfasts and lunches is really nice, it’s not as needed for us as it used to be. I still do it now and then, like at the start of the school year, or whenever I feel like we have fallen into a slump. But for most weeks, I just plan dinners and make sure that I have a variety of healthful breakfast, lunch, and snack options on hand for the kids. Note: If you have younger kids, it’s still good to plan these meals, but starting sometime in Elementary school kids often like to make their own breakfast (at least a few days of the week) and pack their own snack (and maybe even lunch).
You can plan your meals in any way that works for you—in your google calendar, in a notebook, or using a printable meal planning template. Just google meal planning template and you will find many options. Here is the simplified template that I am using at the moment:
Now, take some time to organize your recipes. (I use a binder with plastic sleeves that holds printouts and magazine tear-outs as well as a Pinterest page.) Then, pick your themes and start planning.
Of course, I know a lot of you want me to just give you some good recipes (or rather, the cooked dinner–ha ha). Well, if it’s recipes you want, you are in luck. Starting next week I will share 5 of my go-to recipes each week for 6 weeks! They are recipes from a variety of food bloggers, dietitians, magazines, and cookbooks that I have tried and tested. Each week will have a different theme. So check back here next week!
[…] out will help! It doesn’t have to be detailed if you aren’t that type of person. I LOVE this theme night idea from Maria at https://www.halsanutrition.com. She is a mom, a dietitian, and keeps it […]