Meal Planning

[Kate]

Hey Everyone!

For you, what is the best thing that has come out of the montly meals of planning challenge? I think for me, it has been that it has saved me money when I go to the grocery store. I try to stick to my list and buy the items that are needed for my meals, plus some snack foods, and it's really paid off!

What would you say has been your favorite thing to gain from planning your meals in advance? Saving time? Saving money?

[momofwmubuffettfan]

Mostly it saves me that big daily headache of, "What's for dinner tonight". I hate trying to decide on a daily basis. Planning my meals ahead and having everything I need for the week makes it much easier. And I can get more variety in our meals because I'm planning for it.

[DayDreamer]

I like planning meals ahead of time. I buy all of the ingredients I need and have them ready to go. It does save a lot of time, but it also saves me money. I would do better if I would clip coupons, but I never remember.

Another reason planning works for me is I like to try new recipes. I pick out about 5 a month and we decide as a family if we want it have it again. This has been a successful month for new recipes! We've liked everything this time! It keeps variety and fun in our family mealtime!

[txgurl]

I make a list before I go to the grocery. I like to do this so I know what I need, and don't over buy and spend extra money on things that I really can't use at the moment or need anyway. I have a small pantry so this helps keep the problem of overstuffing it way down. I think it saves money for sure.

I think by planning meals and making a grocery list, this also helps me stay on track with eating healthy and keeping the weight off. You might not be as tempted to buy junk if you have a list before you make the trip to the store. :D

[QuiltAngel]

Planning meals ahead of time makes for far fewer trips to the grocery store for those forgotten items. This is important as we do not live in a town. A trip to town for one or two things really adds up in time and gas. There is also the added benefit that if you have to change plans on what your are going to have, you have the other options already available.

Jane

[clogaholic]

I do try to plan ahead, make my lists and it works soometimes...
Sometimes I forget my list and then forget to buy things so there go my plans!
I do have a nice big pantry so even when I have to make changes, we still eat :D

Like Deb, I love to try out new foods and recipes. I've even created a few recipes and have a few my family love :)

[bumblebeequeen]

I try planning ahead every week and sometimes it works better than others. It often falls apart midweek when DH and I are tired and just feel like throwing something together. I do resolve to get better though!

[jones74]

My dh gave me a pc program for christmas that plans meals. It keeps track of pantry items and recipes. When you are ready to go shopping you can print out a list of what you need. I am still trying to figure it out...lol

I will update you gals on how well it does. All of us would love to save time and money and have great meals.

Great Thread

Carla

[lokerspadokers]

Mostly it saves me that big daily headache of, "What's for dinner tonight". I hate trying to decide on a daily basis. Planning my meals ahead and having everything I need for the week makes it much easier. And I can get more variety in our meals because I'm planning for it.

AGREED!!! I hate that feeling when I get home and I'm just standing around trying to figure out what to have for dinner. Planning eliminates that frustration and also extra trips to the store!

[Autumn Moon]

By planning meals, I can usually work around timers and slowcookers and dinner is made by the time I get home.
We eat healthier when it's planned.