Part 3: Make a Plan

Plan about a half hour for writing your weekly meal plan and grocery list the first time. The more you plan, the easier it will become and the less time it will take.

1. Check what you have at home. See what needs to be used up in your pantry, refrigerator, or freezer.

2. Write down ideas, rather than specific recipes. (For example, “chicken and vegetables” or “broccoli soup.”) Find recipes after you have finished your plan. Some meals, like breakfast, may be easier to keep the same every day.

3. Plan for meals to have leftovers. Plan to make extra food items that can be used for another meal. For example, make a double batch of quinoa to use in a casserole one day and a soup two days later.

•  Have dinner leftovers at lunch the next day to further save on time.

•  Freeze extra dinner servings in individual-serving freezer bags. Thaw and cook or microwave for a quick meal.