If You Struggle with Meal Planning...Try This

When I conduct Overwhelmed to Organized sessions, one of the most common complaints I hear is that moms want to meal plan—but they can’t seem to find a system that actually works.

I always suggest the simple meal planning routine I’m sharing with you today.

This meal planning routine works whether you have babies or teenagers. It’s especially helpful if you’re in a season of life that feels overwhelmingly busy. It’s not overly creative or fancy, but it will get you into the habit of meal planning so you can enjoy the benefits without the stress.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create a meal plan you can put on autopilot.

Simple Meal Planning Step-by-Step

Step #1 – Set aside about 10–20 minutes (don’t worry, you’ll only do this once).

This first step will take the most time, but once you do it, you likely won’t need to do it again—unless you decide to change up your meals. Take a piece of paper and write down all the meals your family enjoys. Make sure these meals aren’t too complicated, and ones you don’t mind making.

If you’re stuck for ideas, grab your cookbooks or hop on Pinterest for inspiration.

Step #2 – Go through your list and choose your top 7–10 meals.

Look through your list and circle or highlight the top 7-10 meals. Give yourself some flexibility by making one of those meals super easy. Think frozen pizza or something that can go straight into the oven or microwave with no prep. If it’s in your budget, include an “eat out” or “take out” meal.

By adding quick and easy options, you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Step #3 – Take out a calendar for the month—digital or written.

If you’re using a paper calendar, this step may take a bit more time. Starting with the date you want to begin meal planning, write down your first meal. Then, on the next day, write down the second meal, and so on.

If you’re using a digital calendar, you can type in the meals once, and then copy and paste for the rest of the rotation.

Once you go through your list of meals, start again at the top of the list and repeat the cycle until your month is full.

Step #4 – Create a list of your finalized meals to rotate throughout the month.

Here’s an example using my family’s favorite meals:

Meatballs and Spaghetti (Crockpot)
Cheeseburger Soup
Shepherd’s Pie
Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli
Leftovers
Vegetable Chili
Frozen Pizza
Tacos
Eat Out/Take Out
Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie

Once you rotate through, you’ll have a months worth of meals planned! You can continue to use this plan month after month, or you can substitute some different meals to change it up.

Grab this Weekly Meal Planner Printable that includes a “Favorite Recipe + Meals” list! You will find it here.

Step #5 – Grocery shop using your meal plan.

Now that you have a calendar full of meals (most likely for dinner), grocery shopping becomes much easier. Create your grocery list using the ingredients needed for the meals you’ve planned.

Make This Meal Plan Routine Even Easier

If you have young kids or your time is extremely limited, consider rotating just five meals throughout the month. This simplifies shopping even more because you’re purchasing the same ingredients every week. You can still sprinkle in frozen meals and takeout.

If time allows, you can also double a few meals and freeze them. That way, you’ve got backups ready for those times when you haven’t made it to the store but still need to feed the family.

But Won’t My Family Get Bored of the Same Meals?

You might get bored with having the same meals every week or month. But if someone in your family complains, ask them to suggest a meal they’d enjoy instead. One of the biggest stressors in meal planning is that moms don’t always get input—unless it’s someone complaining about what’s for dinner.

The goal of this meal planning routine isn’t variety; it’s consistency. Once you’ve developed the habit, your routine will naturally evolve to include more options. But first, focus on building the habit.

(And once you’ve got this routine working for you, check out “Monthly Meal Planning in Under an Hour” to explore a more detailed meal planning system.)

What About Breakfast and Lunch?

In most households, breakfast and lunch usually consist of a few consistent options.
In our home, we always have a few breakfast choices available, so those ingredients end up on my weekly grocery list automatically. The same goes for lunch. I don’t plan these meals in the same way I plan dinners, but you can use this same system if you want to meal plan for all three meals.

Final Thoughts

Meal planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With just a little upfront time and a simple system, you can create a rotating meal plan that saves you stress, time, and energy each week. Whether you stick to five meals or cycle through ten, the goal is to create a rhythm that works for your unique season of life. Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace as you build this new habit. You’ve got this!

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**Before you leave, grab The “Type A” Moms Guide to Feel Organized + In Control of Your Time, for FREE. You’ll find it here.**