Why plan?
Meal planning reduces daily decisions and makes grocery shopping faster. A simple, repeatable plan saves time and stress without needing complicated recipes.
Simple weekly system
Follow three clear steps each week.
Choose four main dinners and two flexible lunches. Aim for one new recipe, two repeats, and one easy bowl or sheet-pan meal.
Pick three batch elements to cook once: a grain, a roasted vegetable, and a protein. Combine them differently across meals.
Write a compact shopping list grouped by store section and schedule a 60-90 minute prep session.
Batch cooking template
Grain: rice, quinoa, or pasta for 3–4 meals.
Vegetable: roast a tray of mixed vegetables.
Protein: baked chicken, tofu, or a pot of beans.
Shopping and prep tips
Buy versatile ingredients that work across meals to reduce waste.
Prep ingredients (wash, chop, portion) the night before when you have five spare minutes.
Use clear containers and label with dates to keep leftovers safe and visible.
Adjust quantities for your household and keep a short favorites list to speed future weeks. Small, consistent habits create the biggest time savings.