Meal Planning for Busy Families

1. Meal planning saves you money
   Take out and delivery add up, and how many freezer meals would you need to feed a family?! In general, cooking at home is more cost effective, but especially if your menu plan is based on ingredients that are on sale and in season.
2. Meal planning saves you time
   It may take some extra time upfront when you’re sitting down to put the menu plan together, but once you know what you’re cooking for the week you know exactly what to get at the supermarket (no wasted time perusing the aisles) and you can do some meal prep ahead of time.
3. Meal planning reduces food waste
   If you plan your menu around what’s already in your fridge, freezer, and pantry, you’ll avoid throwing out leftovers and spoiled food (another money saver).
4. Meal planning helps ensure a balanced plate
   Thinking through what you’re serving ahead of time allows you to plan out a protein, carbohydrate, and fruits and vegetables for every meal.
5. Meal planning allows for more variety
   You’ll be less likely to fall into the rut of serving the same few dishes over and over again when you plan your menu in advance (especially if you plan more than one week at a time).

Next week we will discuss tips on meal planning for busy families.

Source – Jessica Levison.com