Menu Planning

I've been a regular menu-planner for many years now. It all started in 2001 when my husband got an internship in Minneapolis for the summer. Because we were just staying there for a few short months, it made sense to really map out each of our meals so we wouldn't waste anything -especially money. I collected coupons and sales flyers for our local grocery stores and together we planned a weekly menu based on special offers and/or seasonal produce.

Over time, the meal planning evolved for us. As we graduated from university and got real jobs, we had more money to spend on groceries which allowed for a greater variety of meal options - and better quality. We also began to create a year's supply of basic, life-sustaining foods (and other items) that needed to be rotated and incorporated into our regular eating.

My menu plans continue to change and adapt alongside the inevitable patterns of life. Kids (a.k.a. picky-eaters), experiments in home-gardening and exposure to new cultures and traditions has inspired me to try new things. Some things, however, don't change - like the need to stick to a budget. Using your resources wisely creates good habits that will contribute to good health - both physically and financially.


Here are some tips for starting your own menu plan:

* Identify sales and special offers that will save you money and inspire your menu. Your local grocery store may have a weekly flyer or you can view weekly specials on their websites. Independent websites such as http://mySupermarket.co.uk can be particularly helpful for getting the best deals on your staple items (bread, breakfast cereals, baking supplies, etc.)

* Balance your weekly menu options by having ingredients on hand for meals that are quick-and-easy to prepare.

* Be aware of events (recitals, music lessons, sports practices) that might limit your meal preparation time and plan accordingly. A good slow cooker recipe can be the perfect solution to a busy evening.

* Encourage even the youngest members of your family to contribute meal ideas. When children are included in planning something, they become more enthusiastic participants. You may even find a way to involve them in the meal preparation! Take the opportunity to teach your children about good nutrition and a balanced diet.

* Make an inventory of your cupboards and plan meals to use up what you already have on hand.

* Don't commit yourself to a certain meal on a certain day. Rather, post a list of all the meals you have ingredients for and when you hear "What's for supper?" you can choose what you feel like making/eating.

* Be realistic about the quantity of food your family will consume. This is particularly important when it comes to fresh produce and dairy products that don't have a very long shelf-life. Very few families are large enough (or hungry enough) to require shopping at a Wholesale Club. Buy only what you will use.

* Along with that, try shopping online and having your groceries delivered. Many people report lowering their food costs by doing this despite having to pay a delivery charge. When you plan your meals in advance and purchase online, you bypass all the in-store marketing that causes you to buy things you don't need.

* Make room in your meal plan - and in your budget - to eat out on occasion. Whether it's date night, or just a spontaneous family togetherness event, eating out is a welcome respite from kitchen duties at home.



What tips or suggestions do you have when it comes to menu planning?