Live Healthy Live Well

There are times when I feel overwhelmed with my to-do list and the amount of time I have to do it. I have found that meal planning is extremely helpful. When I started living in the country I quickly learned that the grocery store was no longer ten minutes away and I would have to plan what I wanted to fix for meals. Delivery was no longer an option, nor was running into town last minute, to grab  buns or ketchup. I have found that if I put in the time of planning my meals I stay on budget and my evenings are less chaotic. Below are some tips that I have found helpful to stay time and money before going grocery shopping.

1. Create a grocery game plan for your week. Plan your meals for the entire week including snacks. Planning for the whole week means one list and one shopping trip. You will spend less than if you were going to the store every day or several times a week. If planning for the whole week seems overwhelming, start with three or four days and then work up to a full week. Using MyPlate as a guide will help you achieve balance with your meals as you write a menu plan.  You can find a two week sample menu plan on the MyPlate website. On their menu, lunches are designed to be packed or use leftovers. Customize the menu to make it work for your family. Meals can be moved and switched to fit family schedules and preferences.
2. Have your freezer and pantry stocked. Pantry staples are going to include condiments, spices, dry/canned goods and baking supplies. By doing so you can see what items you already have on hand that can be incorporated into your “game plan”. This will also help you know what ingredients you already have at home vs. what you need to buy at the store.
3. Utilize grocery store sale ads/coupons. Pick items that are in season or have been marked down while making your “game plan”. Find grocery sale information at the store entrance, in the newspaper or website. Coupons can be found as inserts in the newspaper, downloaded from the internet or digital coupons to add to your store loyalty card. Signing-up for the store’s customer loyalty program will help you receive discounts and free rewards.
4. Consider your schedule for the week. Plan easier meals on busier days when you know you won’t have a lot of time.
5. Make a list and stick to it. You can use scrap paper, type it up on a computer, add to the notes on your smartphone, or use a grocery app. Don’t be tempted by convenience items that could be more processed and more expensive.
6. Plan for leftovers in your menu. Leftovers can be eaten for lunch the next day, repurposed into something else later in the week or frozen for a quick meal at another time. Using a recipe with larger quantities can reduce the number of ingredients you need and can save time on prepping another meal. You could also double a recipe to freezer for later in the month to make dinner a breeze.

Jones, T. (2016, August 8). Grocery shopping game plans save you time and money. Retrieved from https://livehealthyosu.com/2016/08/08/grocery-shopping-game-plans-save-you-time-and-money/

Meehan, A. (2017, June 5). Meal Prepping, How to Plan for your Week Ahead. Retrieved from http://livesmartohio.osu.edu/food/meehan-89osu-edu/meal-prepping-how-to-plan-for-your-week-ahead/

Author: Amanda Bohlen, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Washington County, bohlen.19@osu.edu

Reviewer: Alisha Barton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County, barton.345@osu.edu