One of the fastest ways to save money on food is through meal planning.
I have experienced this time and again, and I have read countless stories of women who finally improved their food budget when they started meal planning.
In addition, meal planning is also great for our health as we are in better control of not just the ingredients but the way the food is prepared.
But then again, it is one thing to know this and quite another to put into practice.
It’s easy to say we want to improve our habits and live a better life, but until we act, this will remain an unrealised dream.
As we grow older and come to terms with how transient life is, one important area we need to tackle is what we eat.
And in a world where it seems like 24hours are hardly ever enough, meal planning gives you one less thing to worry about.
I remember the first time I meal planned for a whole month, I couldn’t believe the difference it made to my mind (less hassled about what to eat), my time, and my resources.
However, it does require some upfront work and I think this is the reason most of us avoid it. 😅
But imagine spending 30mins to an hour on something that will save you hours more later?
How does Meal Planning Work?
As the name suggests, it’s about setting out a schedule on a weekly or monthly basis highlighting the foods you want to eat and when you want to have them.
There are a few fundamentals of an effective meal plan:
1. Your budget
Do you have a weekly or monthly food budget. If you don’t have one then consider what will work for the first month and use that as a guide going forward. Your budget will advise the kinds of foods to go for. perhaps you’re better off with staples(rice, beans and rather than the exotics (quinoa, etc).
2. You and Your Family’s Preferences
A meal plan is not a prison sentence. You still get to go for things you like. Make room for your preferences but opt for healthier and more affordable versions.
3. Your energy/ability to source the items.
Plan for the foods you have the energy to purchase and prepare. That food influencer and chef you follow on social media are paid to prepare fancy and complicated meals, avoid them for your peace and sanity. Simple and consistent ideas often work best.
4. Your shopping lists.
Your meal plan is incomplete without a shopping list. Having a shopping list keeps you grounded and focused when you go grocery shopping.
Know Your Limits with Meal Planning
I’ve realised that it’s easy for us to get ambitious when starting something new. As women over 30, there is often a sense of urgency when we want to see change, but it’s easy to burnout if it’s not done well.
Like those who sign up to outrageous diets and fitness plans they do for a week and then abandon.
Let’s not do that here. 😊
The key to an effective meal plan is to simplify. Keep it simple and make it easy to follow.
For your first meal plan, go with easy to make meals and things you (and your family) like. This will encourage you to keep going.
Another tip is to go for consistency.
Unless you are adamant about variety, I would suggest you eat a couple of the same meals per week. For instance, I eat the same breakfast 5 times a week. This has made my life and food choices much simpler.
It also allows you to batch make your meals and saves you time and energy.
Five Reasons Why You should Meal Plan
1. You plan for the things you need and avoid waste.
Meal planning limits the possibility of waste since you are following a tailored plan in the foods you select and prepare, unlike someone who just to the grocery shop to buy foods without a clear idea of when or how they will be cooked.
Less wasted food means more money in your pocket, and of course, it is much better on your conscience.
2. It helps you make healthier choices.
Since you’re in control of the meal selection and preparation process, it is much easier to avoid additives or unhealthy food options.
3. You avoid the tendency to just buy what you want rather than what you need.
A meal plan provides much needed direction when we are making our food and meal choices. This becomes important when we are grocery shopping. You will probably find things you want but having a meal plan and stick to your assigned grocery list will limit these impulse purchases.
4. You are more likely to buy and cook things that are in season.
One great thing about good meal plans is that they teach you to shop foods in the right seasons. You get to learn what’s available when and can adjust your plan to suit this.
This is also important because foods in their seasons are usually fresher and much cheaper than when they are out of season.
5. You manage your time and effort better.
This is probably the biggest reason to meal plan. One of the constant and annoying decisions we all deal with every day is to figure out what to eat.
Meal planning has helped me overcome this common challenge. The interesting thing is that anytime I stop using a meal plan, the ‘what do I eat today?’ frustrations resume.
Example of a meal plan
If you need budget friendly options, then you should check out the $5 meal plan by Erin. She shares great ideas for cheap and easy dinner ideas.
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