4 answers

Any Good Meal Planning/ Menu's Out There?

I would like to find a simple meal planning template like a calender that I can print out and hang on the wall. I am really bad at sticking to meals, and just snack all day instead of sitting down to eat actual meals. I have always forgotten to eat, now that I am a mom, I am better due to having to feed my kids, but I still need help.

I think a structured planner with meal times would really help me remember to prepare a meal, instead of just making pb&j sandwiches all day long.

I know about all the recipe sites, so I really don't need any recipes (unless you have a great weekly staple you can share), I mostly need breakfast/lunch/snack ideas in a calander form.

Thanks for listening to my rambling!

What can I do next?

More Answers

I also do a spreadshet like Misty, (from below), does on Excel. It's the best way to stay organized. I also tend to skip around some days but just cross off the meal that I made so I know what is left. I also keep a binder full of ideas that I have picked up from diferent websites, that way if we want to try something new I have a "go to" place. :-)

I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for or not, but I make a lunch and dinner menu for a two week period (on Excel). Then I use it to make my shopping list and only purchase from it. Through that I don't have ways to snack extra. We still have a snack time, etc, but we only have enough for the two week period, and I don't go shopping before then. What I use isn't at all extravegant, but if you'd like to see it, I can send you an example. Just pm me your email address. You can always add in the snack columns if you'd like. I also save them so that I can reuse after a couple of weeks and don't have to think of new menus!

I don't know of any other than the ones you see in the womens/family/parenting magazines. But I have used Super Suppers (Richardson, TX location), and are VERY happy with them. You "make" your own food at different stations - they have all the ingredients prepped and ready for you to assemble. You take them home and freeze, then heat when you want them. It takes about 1-2 hours to make 6 servings of 6 entrees (we split them in half cause its 2 adults, plus 15month old) - so we get 12 meals altogether (sometimes plus a little leftover) for less than $120. Very nice people, and a great concept. Check out their website for locations in your area - www.supersuppers.com.

Have you been to the bookstore? There are several books available like this, I think. I use www.SavingDinner.com by Leanne Ely and www.Flylady.net for all my meal planning ideas. There are charts and lists to print out. There are recipes as well. I love simple recipes and have greatly enjoyed my "4 ingredient" cookbooks. There are also meal plans online. WomansDay.com has a whole cooking section and also www.about.com has a whole meal and cooking section. Good luck!

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