My Weekly Meal Planning Routine
As a busy mom, finding time to prepare healthy meals for my family can feel like a juggling act. Between school, activities and the farm, cooking during the week can sometimes take a backseat. That’s why I’ve embraced the art of meal planning and prepping! It’s become my secret sauce for keeping our family nourished and our week running smoothly.
Every weekend, I dedicate a few hours to plan and prep meals for the week ahead. Not only does this save time during our hectic weekdays, but it also helps me make sure my family eats healthy and minimizes food waste. I’ve discovered that the key to successful meal planning lies in organization and a little creativity.
Here’s how my weekly meal planning routine looks:
- Assess the Week Ahead
I start by reviewing our calendar for the week. Knowing our commitments and activities helps me determine how many meals I need to prepare and what types of dishes will work best for our busy schedule. - Choose Recipes
With my calendar in hand, I select a few family-favorite recipes and experiment with one or two new ones. I like to include a mix of proteins, veggies, and grains to ensure we’re getting a balanced diet. My go to meals tend to be Mediterranean based. - Creating my Grocery List
As I go through each recipe I add each item to my online cart. This keeps my shopping efficient and focused, minimizing those last-minute trips to the store. I then pick up my groceries later that day or the next morning. - Meal Prep Day
I usually set aside Sunday mornings for meal prep. I chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and cook grains in bulk. I love batch cooking meals like soups, casseroles, or stir-fries that can easily be reheated during the week. After cooking, I portion out the meals into containers. This not only helps with organization but also makes it easy for my family to grab meals when they’re hungry. - Weekly Review
At the end of the week, I take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
This helps me tweak my meal plan for the following week, ensuring that it meets our needs.
To help you get started with your own meal planning journey, I’m excited to share my exact weekly meal planner! It includes sections for your meal ideas, notes, and even a spot for your upcoming appointments and activities. This way, you can keep everything organized in one place.
Meal planning has transformed our family’s routine, reducing stress during the week and allowing us to enjoy more time together. I hope my tips inspire you to create your own meal prep routine, and don’t forget to download my weekly meal planner to kickstart your journey!
Get Your Free Meal Planner!
Enter your info below and get the meal planner instantly to download!
PIN FOR LATER
You Might Also Like!
Easy Apple Maple Oat Crumble Breakfast
Today, I’m so excited to share one of our favorite morning treats: Apple Maple Oats. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of honey crisp apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the rich flavor of maple syrup. It’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up, making it the perfect way to kickstart our day. Let’s dive into this wholesome recipe that’s sure to bring smiles to your breakfast table!
DIY Bird Feeder for Family Fun
As a mom who thrives on outdoor adventures, I’m always on the lookout for engaging activities that keep my kids excited about nature. With winter finally coming to an end, we decided to craft something special for our the wild feathered friends—homemade bird feeders!
4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Heart Bites for Valentine’s Day
I earn commission from the links below. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I wanted to share a simple and delightful treat that you can whip up in no time! Four ingredient Peanut Butter Heart Bites! These little bites are perfect for sharing with loved ones, and the best part? They’re super easy…
Paleo Heart-Shaped Rich Brownies For Valentines Day
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. What better way to do this than with a delicious homemade treat? These heart-shaped brownies are not only delightful to the senses but are also Paleo and Whole30 compliant, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Made with wholesome ingredients and a touch of love!
Easy Farmhouse Valentine’s Day Kitchen Counter Decor
Valentines Day is just around the corner and I wanted to bring you an easy farmhouse display for your kitchen. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate love, not just for our partners but for family, friends and animals too. The display I’ve put together in my kitchen today is perfect for adding a touch of warmth and cheer to your home.
DIY Valentine’s Day Placemat Craft
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by creating something special with your little ones? This year, I wanted to make an easy and fun craft with my kids that would also be used for Valentines Day! Not only does this craft allow for quality family time, but it also adds a delightful touch to our Valentine’s Day meals!
