Do you want to start meal planning but don’t know where to start? Does meal planning just seem too overwhelming? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Today, I’m breaking down my top tips for meal planning by sharing what I personally do — and what I have taught hundreds of clients to do as well. 

Tip #1: Start Small 

Pick one meal per week that you want to focus on. It can be really overwhelming to plan out 21 different meals and snacks every single week. Focusing on seven meals is much more manageable, especially if you are just getting started. I personally plan out only dinners each week and keep breakfast and lunch fairly simple and repetitive.

Tip #2: Plan for Eating Out

Be sure to plan out any days you want to dine out or order food in. This will help to highlight exactly how many meals you need to plan and cook for. Some of my clients also find it helpful to plan where they are getting food from and what they will order ahead of time, too. I find this tip especially helpful for making better food choices throughout your week because it can be difficult to make good choices in the moment — especially if you are hungry, stressed, or tired. 

Tip #3: Create Weekly Themes

This is my favorite tip for those of you who don’t know where exactly to start. Themes make planning easy — maybe Monday night is fish night, Tuesday is tacos, Wednesday is something on the grill, Thursday is stir-fry, and Friday is homemade pizzas and salad. Or, you could plan it around your protein choices — so maybe Monday is fish, Tuesday is beef, Wednesday is a meatless meal, Thursday is chicken, and Friday is another meatless meal. 

Simple themes can help keep things organized from week to week! It also helps get you in the mindset about what kind of meal you can put together. Several of my clients have successfully begun meal planning with this tip alone. They just make a weekly theme and stick to it from week to week. 

Tip #4: Create a Recipe Folder 

This is a game changer for me. I have a folder in my kitchen filled with recipes that my family likes and I enjoy making. They are quick, easy, healthy, and tasty. This is my go-to when I sit down every week to plan — I open my folder and create my plan in a matter of minutes. 

I recommend that all of my clients start this practice as I find it to be so helpful. I personally print recipes I find online or make copies of recipes from cookbooks I like. That way I have my own pile of recipes that actually work for me and my family all in one place. I don’t have to search through blogs or cookbooks or search engines. I just open my folder and plan! 

You could also do this digitally, with a program like Google docs, but I prefer to see the recipes physically in front of me. Whatever floats your boat!

Tip #5: Make a Meal Planning Date with Yourself Each Week 

If you are serious about meal planning every week, then you need to schedule it into your life. It’s unlikely that it will just happen on it’s own. So, I recommend setting a day and time each week to meal plan and grocery shop. I personally meal plan on Saturdays and shop on Sundays, because I like to break it up into two separate days — but again, find the best way that works for you. 

Following these helpful tips will have you meal planning like a pro in no time.