Last week we uncovered the benefits of creating a menu plan (weekly or monthly).  This week we’ll show you where to start when it comes to menu planning and provide some menu planning templates.

There are many articles written about menu planning but they only focus on dinners; we’ll focus on all three meals and snacks.  I find it peculiar that we focus on dinner so much when it should be one of our lighter meals; breakfast, lunch and snacks should be where the bulk of your food intake is happening.

So you’re saying to yourself, this is all fine and good but WHERE DO I START?

First, you’ll want to get a couple of your local grocery store flyers. Next, decide who has the best deals for the kinds of food you eat (for that week).  Once the store has been decided upon, go through that ad and write down the items that can make meals that are exciting to you.  While doing this, think of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (NOT JUST DINNER).  After going through the ad look in your cupboards and refrigerator for things that were left over from last week that could possibly pull together other meals.  Then go through the freezer with the same idea in mind. 

As you’re going through these 3 things, write down the meals that might be great for the week.  Do you have left over vegetables in the refrigerator, rice in the cupboard and chicken in the freezer?  You have all the makings for a delicious stir-fry. All you need is a can of water chestnuts from the store! 

Using the meal-planning template provided (click here) fill in all of the spaces with the meals or snacks.  You’ll notice on the second page there’s a shopping list.  What you do is start with the things that are needed weekly. Then go through the menu meal by meal and add the things that you don’t already have.  When it comes to the amount of each item needed, write it down so you don’t over buy (this is not necessary if you can remember how much you need).  After you complete that second page, you’ve created your plan for the week!

Side note: If you’re really familiar with the store you can order the list so that it follows the flow of the store’s layout.

Next stop, the grocery store!  When you’re in the store don’t be so rigid not to substitute but do it wisely.