My promise to you is that we will get through this WITHOUT the overwhelm.
In order for me to keep my promise I have to suggest that you ONLY “FOCUS PLAN” YOUR DINNER.
Of course, I’m not there to twist your arm so I can’t make you do anything but trust me on this.
When you start meal planning it can get overwhelming and then you will stop before you even get started. We don’t want this to happen for you.
So, especially if this is new to you and you have never meal planned AND/OR you get easily overwhelmed (me, me) then just start with dinner.
PLUS, since dinner is your biggest, most complicated meal it is also the once that will give you the most savings when planned.
You can always add more meals later but for now let’s just tackle that biggest, most complicated meal.
You know, the one that you’re family may want to hang you by your toes if you don’t mix it up some.
What about breakfast and lunch?
Well, you will keep doing whatever you are doing now. Kinda…
There will be one difference.
If you currently eat out sometimes for breakfast and lunch then keep eating out.
But if you currently eat breakfast and lunch from the foods you have at home and you find yourself having to run to the grocery store more than once each week then you will “Barely” plan.
“Barley” plan just means you are only planning to keep certain items on hand to replenish once a week.
Once you start this you should really try to not go to the grocery store more than once a week. I will show you why later.
Alright, now breakfast can be as easy or hard as you want to make it. So, how about keeping it easy for the next few months so you don’t even really have to plan it.
These foods will just be things that automatically go on the list as needed.
Here’s a thought…
Keep some cereal, milk, pancakes, eggs, and such on hand. All of these are easy to fix and keep pretty good shelf, fridge, and freezer life. Well, maybe not the milk but it will be used for other things too.
Now for lunch.
Again, lunch can be as easy or hard as you want to make it.
To keep from feeling the need to plan just keep bread, sandwich meat, cheese, and other super easy things on hand. Just like with breakfast, these foods will be added to your shopping list as they are needed.
Alright, with your simple breakfast and lunch barely planned let’s focus plan your dinner by brainstorming what you can fix.
Action Steps to Complete Before You Continue
1. Write down 3 easy to fix breakfast meals to keep on hand.
2. Write down the ingredients for the 3 easy breakfast meals.
3. Write down 3 easy to fix lunch meals to keep on hand.
4. Write down the ingredients for the 3 easy lunch meals.
Feel free to share an easy breakfast and lunch in the comments for ideas.
Want the PDF Version?
The Simple Meal Planning Mini Course has been turned into a free PDF you can download to your computer and even print if you want. This PDF also includes space to complete your assignments and take notes.
Click Here to Save this Post to Your Favorite Pinterest Board.
Leave a Reply