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What’s for Dinner?

Part 2

Last week I gave you some suggestions for meal planning and how to get started.   This week, let’s continue and finish up the list so we can get to the grocery store and get some yummy food!

Previously we started a grocery list from the specials and then added the ingredients from the recipes chosen.  You can round out your grocery list by jotting down the staples you need.

You could just open the cupboards, refrigerator, freezer, pantry, etc and look to see what you need, but an easier, more precise way is to keep a pad and pen in a kitchen drawer and make note when you are using a product that you are getting low.  For example, if you are making gravy and use the last of the milk, add milk to your notepad.  When cleaning up the kitchen after a meal, you notice the dishwashing detergent bottle is getting light, then add dishwashing detergent to the list.  Discard this temporary list at the end of the week and start a new one after purchasing this week’s groceries.

While making your grocery list, have your calendar handy to help you plan meals around your schedule.  For example, you have a meeting and will be busy until 6pm on Thursday, so make a note on your meal planning sheet to pick up a pizza on Thursday night or prepare something in the crockpot to be ready when you get home.  Having a plan for difficult days helps you stick to your nutritional plan and your food spending plan.

Once you have a meal plan, buy the groceries and get home with them, then try some of these tips to make cooking and snacking easier:

• Cut up veggies and fruits and store in individual snack bags for healthy snacks.

• Re-package large packages of meats to fit your family size.  For example, you may be able to get a better deal on a large package of eight chicken breasts.  Divide into two packages of four to fit your family.
• Look for crockpot recipes. (The No More Chaos newsletter often features crockpot recipes.)   Crockpot cooking is a wonderful way to cook less expensive cuts of meat, good stews and soups while you are away.

Meal planning does require some thought and effort, but will save you time, money and frustration.  You will always be able to answer the question, “What’s for dinner?”

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Last modified: 02/22/08