Meal planning doesn't have to be complicated. A clear, repeatable process reduces decision fatigue, saves money, and makes home cooking realistic.
Start with a simple plan
Pick 3–5 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and two lunches you can rotate. Balance proteins, vegetables, and one flexible starch.
Weekly workflow
- Choose recipes for the week and note shared ingredients.
- Create a shopping list grouped by store section.
- Schedule one 60–90 minute prep session for chopping, roasting, or batch-cooking.
- Portion meals into containers for grab-and-go days.
- Plan one flexible “swap” and one leftover night.
Smart shopping and prep
- Buy versatile staples: rice, canned beans, frozen vegetables.
- Use clear labels with date and contents when freezing.
- Prep ingredients, not always full meals—prepped ingredients speed dinner assembly.
Keep it flexible
Swap proteins, reuse sauces, and embrace simple breakfasts like yogurt bowls or overnight oats. Adjust portions to reduce waste and save time.
Start small, repeat what works, and make modest improvements each week.
Tags
Life Hack