Not only does meal planning save me money, but it also saves my sanity. It nice to know ahead of time whats for dinner, that way I don't have to rack my brain after a busy day or make an unexpected trip to the grocery store.
But how does meal planning save me money??? Easy, when I have a plan I buy only what I need and not what I think I need but really don't. Here are some tips I've learned that help me put together a good plan.
1. Get out your Calendar
I have spent a lot of money in the past on food that went bad before I got a chance to use it. Often times I would think of a delicious meal but then realized I have to go to a school play, soccer practice or something else. Instead of making said delicious meal I whip up something easy while my other ingredients start to expire. Now while I write out my meal plan I have my calendar right beside me.
2. Be Realistic
This tip goes right along with using your calendar. I think the key to having a great meal plan is really to be realistic. Look ahead to see how much time or energy you are going to have to prepare a meal. A great example is that I always plan something easy on the day I go grocery shopping. Before, I used to peruse the aisles and I would think of all these grandiose meal ideas, then when I got home I'd be so wore out that we would order pizza or make sandwiches. Sandwiches were a bad idea because I would use up all the ingredients I had planned for lunches for the week. Meaning I would have to make an extra trip to the store mid week, meaning I would spend more money.
3. Price Check
Just like tip #2 be realistic with the prices of groceries, this will help you stay on budget. One tip I have for this is that I have the Walmart Grocery app installed on my phone, and it is so easy to look up an item and find a price. Many grocery stores have this feature, and if your's doesn't just use the prices from a nearby store that does and most likely their prices will be similar. You can also use your weekly ads. The is a neat free app called Flipp, and you can look up all your local ads.
4. Save Past Meal Plans
Sometimes I look at my blank meal plan and get what feels like writer's block. I have no idea what to make and nothing sounds good. I often post my meal plans on Instagram, so I'll take a look at those to spark up ideas.
5. Make It Fun
I like to give myself little challenges with in my meal plan. One is to see how many meals I can make with what I already have. This is commonly known as a #pantrychallenge and saves loads of money. Another challenge is that I try to see how inexpensive I can make each meal, with out sacrificing too many health benefits.
6. Write It Out
I can't tell you how many times I've relied on my memory and failed, now I pretty much write everything down. I made up a meal plan printable that you can view here and print for free.
If you're wanting to start meal planning I hope these tips help, and if you have any tips of your own I'd love to hear them in the comments or message me on Instagram @frombudgettobliss
P.S. I am not affiliated with the Flip app, but if you use my link for the Walmart grocery app and make your first purchase we both get $10 if you are a new user.
But how does meal planning save me money??? Easy, when I have a plan I buy only what I need and not what I think I need but really don't. Here are some tips I've learned that help me put together a good plan.
1. Get out your Calendar
I have spent a lot of money in the past on food that went bad before I got a chance to use it. Often times I would think of a delicious meal but then realized I have to go to a school play, soccer practice or something else. Instead of making said delicious meal I whip up something easy while my other ingredients start to expire. Now while I write out my meal plan I have my calendar right beside me.
2. Be Realistic
This tip goes right along with using your calendar. I think the key to having a great meal plan is really to be realistic. Look ahead to see how much time or energy you are going to have to prepare a meal. A great example is that I always plan something easy on the day I go grocery shopping. Before, I used to peruse the aisles and I would think of all these grandiose meal ideas, then when I got home I'd be so wore out that we would order pizza or make sandwiches. Sandwiches were a bad idea because I would use up all the ingredients I had planned for lunches for the week. Meaning I would have to make an extra trip to the store mid week, meaning I would spend more money.
3. Price Check
Just like tip #2 be realistic with the prices of groceries, this will help you stay on budget. One tip I have for this is that I have the Walmart Grocery app installed on my phone, and it is so easy to look up an item and find a price. Many grocery stores have this feature, and if your's doesn't just use the prices from a nearby store that does and most likely their prices will be similar. You can also use your weekly ads. The is a neat free app called Flipp, and you can look up all your local ads.
4. Save Past Meal Plans
Sometimes I look at my blank meal plan and get what feels like writer's block. I have no idea what to make and nothing sounds good. I often post my meal plans on Instagram, so I'll take a look at those to spark up ideas.
5. Make It Fun
I like to give myself little challenges with in my meal plan. One is to see how many meals I can make with what I already have. This is commonly known as a #pantrychallenge and saves loads of money. Another challenge is that I try to see how inexpensive I can make each meal, with out sacrificing too many health benefits.
6. Write It Out
I can't tell you how many times I've relied on my memory and failed, now I pretty much write everything down. I made up a meal plan printable that you can view here and print for free.
If you're wanting to start meal planning I hope these tips help, and if you have any tips of your own I'd love to hear them in the comments or message me on Instagram @frombudgettobliss
P.S. I am not affiliated with the Flip app, but if you use my link for the Walmart grocery app and make your first purchase we both get $10 if you are a new user.
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