Plan with a weekly template
Start with a simple template: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks for each day. Reuse staples to reduce daily decisions and save time.
Batch cook and mix
Cook base ingredients once: grains, roasted vegetables, and a protein. Store components separately so you can combine them into different meals.
Example workflow
- Sunday: batch cook grains, roast vegetables, and prepare one protein.
- Monday–Wednesday: assemble bowls or salads using different dressings and toppings.
- Thursday–Friday: turn leftovers into soups, stir-fries, or wraps.
Shop with purpose
Write a shopping list based on your template. Buy overlapping ingredients to reduce waste and make cooking faster.
Quick practical tips
- Keep a short list of 10 go-to meals you can rotate.
- Use jars or clear containers so you can see what’s ready to eat.
- Prep one or two snacks in grab-and-go portions for busy days.
Review your plan each Friday and adjust for appointments or events. Small, repeatable systems make weekly meal planning sustainable for busy lifestyles.
Tags
Life Hack