I meal plan a week in advance, here’s why you should do it too

Keeping on track of what I need to cook for my family isn’t always the easiest task in the world. Most meals I cook for Sam and Emily, doesn’t always interest Emily. She’s good with her food but she’s a little-food-but-often kind of child, so a sit down meal in the evening before us adults eat usually entails a little Münch followed up with more food when we eat. I’m always thinking of ways to keep my family healthy, making sure they get all their nutrients, vitamins, proteins and more, whilst making sure our food diary involves a mix of different interesting dishes (I can get bored cooking the same old!), preparing and cooking meals on top of being a stay-at-home-working-mum to an active 1 year old and partner to Sam who’s out 12 hours every day.

So I meal plan. Here’s that “Dannii the list” saying again. I have to for sanity reasons but also so I can pretty much stock-take on what I have in the cupboard, fridge and freezer and obviously to keep on top of what I want to cook for my family.

It’s a great way to save money, waste less, save time and keep track on eating healthier. Here’s just a few reasons why you should meal plan too:

You’ll save money

I do an online shop once a fortnight, with a few top-up shops in between. My tesco delivery arrives and I put a plan in place for the week on top of the original plan I had in mind. I buy everything through my app and it keeps me within budget.

Less waste

As you know on my food blog, I hate waste. Most of us are guilty of throwing away food, but it’s something I try to stick to with everything in the fridge and veg box. It’s easy to lose track of expiration dates, but most food I get that can’t be frozen, I use first and work my way through the fridge or veg box before buying more.

You’ll save time

By taking 10 minutes out of your week, you’ll save time planning your meals in one swoop for the week rather than faffing on the night. You can develop fun meals around your family when you get into the swing of things.

You can experiment

Look to online recipes or Pinterest for recipes, experiment and have fun. Dinner is not supposed to be dull, it should be fun and interesting for all the family.

You’ll eat healthier

Having a plan makes you eat healthier. Not having a plan could lead to unnecessary temptation! There’s not wrong in it, but if you have a plan you stick to you won’t be so tempted to order a takeaway or bung just anything in the oven.

Less stress

I get stressed if I haven’t properly planned or organised anything, ask Sam, I’m a bit of a stress-head! I meal plan, then turn into a bit of a crazed person making sure I stick to the plan. I look forward to my evening meal when I have a plan in place – tonight we’re having duck.

Good luck and have fun!