Are you trying to save time cooking and save money on grocery shopping? Let me teach you how to plan a week of meals for your family. I have eight tips to get you started, it’s perfect for meal planning for beginners.

My top 8 tips for how to plan weekly meals:

Decide your meal planning style.

There are many different ways to meal plan, so find a method that works for you and your lifestyle. Some people like to plan out all of their meals for the week in advance, while others prefer to just plan a few meals and then wing it the rest of the week. Some people prefer to plan based on specific theme nights while others plan on specific recipes.There is no right or wrong way to meal plan, so experiment until you find a method that you like.

Stock up on pantry and fridge staples.

Once you know your meal planning style, it’s helpful to stock up on some basic pantry and fridge items. This will help you save time when you’re planning meals and cooking. Some essential pantry items include canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, and spices. Some essential fridge items include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Grab my printable list of kitchen essentials for your pantry and refrigerator and freezer right here.

Equip your kitchen.

When you have the right tools in your kitchen, cooking becomes enjoyable and fun and fast! Obviously, a stovetop and oven will make a huge difference. But also think about small appliances like a grill/griddle, air fryer, pressure cooker, pizza stone and one pot. You will also need the basics of a good set of knives, cutting boards, and cookware. Here’s my favorite brand of cookware and knives.

Evaluate your week, then plan accordingly.

When you’re planning your meals, it’s important to consider your schedule and what you’ll be doing each day. If you know you’ll be busy on certain days, you may want to plan meals that are quick and easy to make. You may also want to plan meals that can be easily reheated or that can be made in advance.

Schedule a planning and shopping day.

Okay, you have your meal plannings type chosen, your pantry is stocked, you have the kitchen tools you need, and you have looked at your schedule…it’s now time to sit down and meal plan in 15 minutes. Make a list of your meals and then the ingredients you need to purchase. Then plan your shopping trip. I like to do this early on Saturday mornings, or Sunday afternoons. Just pick a day that works for you. This will help you stay on track and avoid last-minute trips to the grocery store.

Get creative with your meal planning.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be boring! There are many ways to get creative with your meal planning. You can try new recipes, experiment with different cuisines, or even use leftovers in new and creative ways.

Be patient.

Meal planning takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually find a meal planning system that works for you!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you’re struggling with meal planning, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t need to do it alone. I have a number of resources that can help you, like blog posts, done-for-you meal plans with grocery lists and recipes, and personalized meal planning appointments where I tailor a plan specific to your needs, preferences and goals as your personal registered dietitian.

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