5 Reasons Why I Meal Plan

I typically meal plan and grocery shop every weekend.  When I don’t, I start my Monday feeling a bit stressed and frazzled.  I prefer starting the week organized, with a plan, and with that ‘hit the ground running’ confidence.  

To be honest, many times on Sunday I have to force myself to go grocery shopping.  That is, by far, my least favorite part.  I may need to remind myself ‘WHY” meal planning and grocery shopping are priorities in order to get that needed push to get my butt out the door.  And I can say with certainty, after getting home and knowing I am prepared for meals/snacks for the upcoming week, I have NEVER regretted going.  It’s ALWAYS a relief and sense of accomplishment.

My meal planning drivers are:

1.  To save money.  When I plan my meals & snacks for the week I can go grocery shopping and get everything at one time.  On average, a trip to the grocery store for forgotten items ends up costing around $130.  Every. Single. Time.  This adds up quickly!
2. To save time.  The average grocery store visit is 1 hour.  If I’m being honest, that’s already one hour more than I want to be at the grocery store!  I usually go grocery shopping on Sunday for the following week.  The last thing I want to add to an already hectic work week is multiple grocery store trips.  And the last thing I want to do on my lunch break or after work is go to the grocery store.
3. Stress free kitchen.  I don’t want to get stressed and grumpy every evening when it’s time to make dinner.  I want it to be more of a ‘down time’ kinda vibe.  With a plan in place, and a kitchen stocked with the ingredients needed, dinnertime can actually be a relaxing time for you!  Pour yourself a drink and start creating your delicious, nutritious meal (cheers).
4. Health.  It’s no secret eating out is typically high in calories, sodium, and fat. Besides just tasting WAY better, I prefer eating at home because I know the ingredients going into my meals and I control my portions.  My plate either looks like ¾ veggies & ¼ protein or ½ veggies, ¼ protein, & ¼ whole grains.  When I plan dinners, I also automatically know what I’m eating for lunch as I make sure to have leftovers (yum)
5. Family time.  Dinnertime is my favorite family time.  No phones, no TV, no homework, just us spending time together over a home cooked meal.  This is our time to catch up from the day.  At our house, it usually involves a little  banter & a lot of laughter.
   

   PRO TIP: If you’re having a hard time just thinking of meals, enlist your family!  

   • I had my two kids text me their 5 favorite homemade meals.  I have two kids, so there’s 10 meal ideas right there!  
   • While planning dinners for the week, have each family member give their request
   
   

   What are your reasons for meal planning, or wanting to start?!  I wanna hear them!

   
   

   Happy Meal Planning!

   
   

   ~ Kitchen Floozy

   When it’s good to be QUICK & EASY