Ask Erin: The Art of Meal Planning

by Erin Sharplin Love | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

As recently as the end of last year, our family meals had little variety or inspiration. I grew tired of eating (and cooking) the same old thing week after week, so I know my family was tired of it, too. Thankfully, they didn’t complain until I mentioned that I was bored with our mealtimes.

Unfortunately they agreed with me. To be honest, though, cooking is one of my least favorite things to do. I am not fond of the time it takes to cook a “gourmet” meal, not to mention the number of dishes that are usually left to clean afterwards. Ugh! But, I love a challenge and that is all it took to begin the transition from ho-hum meals to mmm-mmm meals through the art of meal planning. Here are my tips!

Pinspiration! My first step in meal planning is always searching for recipes through Pinterest, a cookbook, or some other source. I usually begin looking for meals on Sunday, but I decide which ones I will definitely be cooking for the week on Monday. I print them out and put them in my planner so that they are easily accessible when it comes time to begin preparing for the meal. Now, remember, I don’t like to cook, and the quicker I can get in and out of the kitchen the better, so I typically look for meals that take thirty minutes or so from start to finish. I think others are like me, too, because there is no shortage of “easy-peasy” recipes out there!

List it! Now that you know what you will be cooking for the week, it is time to start your shopping list. I have found it easier to write down all ingredients from each recipe onto one sheet of paper. First, I alphabetize the list to make it easier, too! Then, I check my pantry and refrigerator to see what I need to add to my shopping list for purchase. I typically use my favorite app for iphone – “Shopping List Ease-Grocery” – to organize my list. I have found using this app easier than trying to keep up with a sheet of paper and marking items off. Although my initial list is on paper, I just put it into the phone once I have narrowed the list down. But you know what method works best for you, so be sure to use the appropriate list-keeping system for your personality type.

Clip It! Check your local newspaper, circulars, and online for any coupons that may be available for the items on your list. There are a few apps that make couponing easier, too. Do a quick search in your app store, but I like the “Flipp” app. Sometimes it works out to a few dollars of savings, and who doesn’t like to save money?

Shop! Now that you have your list ready and your coupons clipped, it’s time to shop! Put a little food in your belly – because we all know what can happen if you go to the store hungry – and map out your plan. The good news is that once you start menu planning, your grocery lists will not be as long as they usually are, because you should be going to the store once a week instead of once or twice a month. Planning and shopping weekly not only saves you time in the grocery store, it will also save you money! You won’t be buying in bulk and letting food ruin or forget that it is even there! Every meal will be intentional and stress-free.

Organize It! One of the most important steps upon your arrival home is to get organized! I like to categorize each meal by putting all its dry ingredients together in the pantry along with a printout of the recipe. The cold ingredients are left in the fridge, but easily accessible when the time comes to prep the meal. If you haven’t already organized your kitchen, I definitely suggest that you get it streamlined as soon as possible. It will shorten your time in the kitchen (woohoo!) and make cooking less stressful! I organize my kitchen, and all of my client’s kitchens, in working order. In other words, all my baking supplies are together and close to my prep area; plates and utensils are near the stovetop to make serving meals easier, and my knives and cutting boards are near my fridge, so I can grab and go when I need to chop some vegetables. Consider the layout of your kitchen and the routine you usually go through when cooking for your family. Can anything be moved to make life easier for you?

Cook! Before starting the cooking process, gather all supplies, ingredients, and the recipe. Pour yourself a glass of wine, turn on the music (or listen to SpongeBob in the background, like I do) and get in the zone! All of your preparation is about to pay off!

Set the Table. Honestly, when was the last time you actually set your table? If you can’t remember, it is definitely time to switch things up! Break out the good napkins, glass plates and drinkware, placemats, and silverware and set your table for a formal meal. Not only will it make memories for your children, but it will also teach them a vanishing custom of family meals together. Such a setting will also provide a chance to teach good table manners. In every day there is a teachable moment, so don’t miss it.

Enjoy! Now is the time to sit down with your family and enjoy your home-cooked meal together. Chit chat, laugh, and have fun together! You and your family deserve it.

If done consistently, meal planning can be the one change that will make the biggest difference in your home life. Personally, it has made life so much easier and so much less stressful. I can also say that I don’t dislike cooking as much as I used to, either. I actually enjoy finding new, healthful recipes that I think my family will enjoy. I hope it does the same for you.

If you have any recipes that you would like to share with me, please post them to my Facebook page or email them to me! I would love to hear what some of your favorites are.