How to Meal Plan for the Whole Month
Introduction
As someone who loves to cook, I always find myself struggling with meal planning. It's easy to plan a few meals for the week, but planning for the whole month can be overwhelming. What do you even make for an entire month? But with a little bit of effort and organization, you can easily plan your meals for the whole month and make your life so much easier. In this article, I'll be sharing some tips and tricks on how to meal plan for the whole month.
Step 1: Start with a Calendar
The first step to meal planning for the whole month is to start with a calendar. You can use a physical one or an online one, whichever works best for you. Take a look at the upcoming month and mark any events or occasions that you'll need to plan around. For example, if you're going out of town for a weekend, you won't need to plan meals for those days. Alternatively, if you have a big family dinner planned, you might want to plan a few extra meals leading up to it.
Step 1a: Keep it Realistic
When you're planning your meals for the month, it's important to keep things realistic. Don't plan extravagant meals every night if you know you won't have the time or energy to prepare them. Instead, focus on meals that are easy to make and that your family actually enjoys eating. It's also a good idea to include some freezer meals or leftovers on days when you know you'll be too busy to cook.
Step 2: Plan Your Proteins
Once you have your calendar sorted, it's time to start planning your meals for the month. The best way to start is by planning your proteins first. Choose a variety of proteins to keep things interesting throughout the month. You might plan to have chicken one night, fish another, and vegetarian meals a few times throughout the month. Make sure to include some of your family's favorite meals as well.
Step 2a: Buy in Bulk
When you're planning your proteins for the month, it's a good idea to buy in bulk. This can save you money in the long run, and it means that you'll always have protein on hand when you need it. Look for sales at your local grocery store or consider buying in bulk from a warehouse store.
Step 3: Choose Your Sides
Once you have your proteins planned, it's time to choose your sides. This is where you can really get creative. Choose a variety of vegetables, grains, and starches to accompany your proteins. Don't be afraid to try new things! You might find a new favorite side dish that you never knew you loved.
Step 3a: Keep it Simple
When it comes to choosing your sides, it's important to keep things simple. Don't try to make elaborate side dishes every night of the week. Instead, focus on simple dishes that are easy to prepare. Roasting vegetables, for example, is a quick and easy way to prepare a side dish.
Step 4: Write it Down
Once you have your meals planned for the month, it's time to write everything down. You might choose to do this in a notebook or on a whiteboard in your kitchen. Whatever you choose, make sure it's easily accessible and visible to everyone in your family. This will make it easier to stick to your meal plan throughout the month.
Step 4a: Stick to Your Plan
The most important part of meal planning for the whole month is sticking to your plan. It can be tempting to order takeout or make something different when you don't feel like cooking, but try to stick to your plan as much as possible. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it will also save you money in the long run.
Conclusion
Meal planning for the whole month may seem intimidating at first, but with a little bit of organization and effort, it can be a game-changer in your kitchen. By starting with a calendar, planning your proteins and sides, and writing everything down, you can make meal planning a breeze. Remember to keep things realistic, buy in bulk, and stick to your plan as much as possible. Happy cooking!