8 Steps to
Organized Meal Planning
1. Keep an ongoing
grocery list. Most people can start one about five
minutes after returning from the grocery store. Post it
so everyone in the family can use it.
2. Take a sheet of
paper and make three columns. First, list seven to 21
of your favorite quick and easy entrees. You might
include grilled pork chops, chicken pot pie and several
crock pot dishes. Keep a supply of beef, chicken and
pork in the freezer.
3. List the
vegetables your family enjoys on a regular basis.
Frozen and canned varieties are the easiest to store.
Include potatoes as well. Make sure you keep a good
supply of each vegetable in your pantry/kitchen.
4. List bread
possibilities. Refrigerated and frozen bread (dinner
rolls and loaves) stay fresh for weeks. Just check the
expiration dates before buying.
5. Before weekly
grocery shopping, choose seven entrees for the week.
Check your freezer inventory. Buy in bulk during sales
to save money and time.
6. Keep in stock the
basics you use regularly: broth, mushroom soup, rice,
pasta sauce and jars of gravy. You will always be able
to whip up a quick meal.
7. When your
inventory is low on any item, add it to your grocery
list. Buy more than one at a time to avoid running out.
8. Since your
pantry/kitchen stays well-stocked, you can easily make a
meal using your list. Throw some chops on the grill,
heat up the oven for dinner rolls and warm a bag of
frozen corn on the stove. Bon appetit!
Article Reference:
Copyright 2002-06 Barbara Myers. All Rights Reserved. |