4 Keys to Sticking with a Meal Plan

Over the past couple of years I’ve struggled with meal planning. I found when I was successful I definitely saved a lot of money but also eliminated stress and saved time. Triple win.

The problem was that I would be way too strict with myself and my good intentions would end up going out the window if I didn’t feel like things were perfect.

Almost like it was too much to keep up with.

I’ve since lowered my standards, changed my strategy and found a few things have helped tremendously.

Here are four keys to sticking with a meal plan that have benefited me the most.

Make a Loose Meal Plan

When I first started meal planning I would list out a different dinner for every day of the week. And then, depending on how my day went and how my kids were acting, I may or may not have felt like making that dinner.

If I was stressed out I’d go through the Drive-Thru. A horrible habit.

Since then I have made a very loose meal plan.

All I do now is make sure I have ingredients on hand to make 5-7 different dinners, ranging from quick and easy to more time consuming.

Now I’ve got options for every mood and amount of time.

Pinterest Food Boards

I got interested in Pinterest around a year ago. Since then I have consistently pinned easy recipes that contain ingredients I always have on hand.

This has been an absolutely amazing resource for when I feel like trying something new.

Prepare Snacks Ahead of Time

While I very rarely cook dinner ahead of time I always prepare snacks.

If I have boiled eggs, cut up apples, and pre-portioned carrots or grapes my two daughters will always grab one of those. If I don’t have these available they instantly go toward the junk food cabinet.

Not to mention having these things prepared makes throwing lunches together far easier.

Make School Lunches in Advance

The other thing I like to prepare the night before is school lunches. Both of my daughter’s like to pack their lunch for school.

I make sandwiches using a sandwich sealer (which is awesome for little kids) and I also make sure there are apples or carrots in a snack bag.

(Tip: Soak sliced applies in salt water for five minutes and it will keep them from browning for 24 hours!)

Keep It Simple

The best thing you can do to stay on the meal planning bandwagon is to keep it simple. Buy the things your family eats, prepare ahead of time, have a rough meal plan, have back-ups (like spaghetti) and use your crock-pot.

I think we can tend to make a concept like meal planning more complicated than it needs to be. If you keep it simple you will save money, time, and your sanity.