Have you ever had no idea what to make for dinner and no time to shop? We all have them. By using the 3Ps (planning recipes, buying groceries, and preparing ingredients), you don’t have to start from scratch every night. Meal planning works best when you approach it one phase at a time; there’s no need to do all three P’s at the same time. Instead, break them up and do each one when you have time. So say goodbye to fast food and hello to fresh meals on the table right now. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
1. Check family schedule
Before choosing a recipe, take a look at what your family’s week is like. Embrace theme nights, especially when you’re just starting out. Knowing you can count on Meatless Monday takes a lot of the stress out of planning. And rely on those go-to recipes that you know your family will love and can be made with items you have in your pantry or refrigerator. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole or Roasted Red Pepper Pasta All are good choices.
2. Make your list
Once you’ve chosen your recipe, make a master ingredient list of all the ingredients you’ll need for that week. Then cross off everything on the list that you already have at home. All that’s left is your shopping list. Keep your pantry stocked with a selection of meal mixes that add quick, easy, and delicious flavor to the meals you’re making.
3. Preparation for this week
Prepare large batches of produce at the beginning of the week using a prep and storage system. This meal prep system helps you keep your refrigerator organized so your produce stays fresh for longer!
4. Stay flexible
You may want to leave some space for when the unexpected happens. Nowadays, pressure cookers make dinner quick to prepare even if the meat is still in the refrigerator—you can defrost chicken in less than fifteen minutes with this handy device.
5. Make extra family favorites
Every family has their favorites. We recommend making a few extras of your favorites to enjoy next time. When freezing leftovers, it’s a good idea to store them in airtight, leak-proof containers to keep them fresh for next time.
