Let's Talk Meal Planning!

Meal Planning!

Ever feel like you're wandering the grocery store with no plan (and somehow $300 later, you still have nothing for dinner)? Or do you agree with the meme asking "Why didn't anyone tell me adulting is planning what's for dinner every day of your life until you die!" Been there!

One of the best ways to save money, reduce food waste, and make your week smoother is to spend a little time planning your meals and grocery list ahead of time. Trust me, it doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming — and it definitely doesn’t mean you have to plan every single meal down to the last crumb. I don't!

This week, for example, I planned 4 main dish entrees and one prepared meal. I also stocked up on some lunch and snack items. I always start by checking what I already have in my fridge and pantry and build my meals around that. I ended up spending $152 — just $2 over the budget I set for myself. It felt good to be (almost) right on target!

Here’s why creating a menu and grocery list is a game-changer — and a few simple tips to make it easy for you:

Why Make a Menu and Grocery List?

✨ It saves you money. When you know exactly what you need, you’re way less likely to grab random extras (and way more likely to stick to your budget).

✨ It reduces food waste. Buying ingredients with a plan in mind means you’ll actually use what you buy, not toss it at the end of the week.

✨ It cuts down on stress. You already know what’s for dinner! No more staring into the fridge hoping something magically appears.

✨ It gives you flexibility. Planning ahead doesn’t mean you lose freedom — it gives you a clear starting point, and you can always swap meals around if life happens.

My Easy Tips for Meal Planning on a Budget

✅ Check what you already have. Before you start dreaming up meals, peek into your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Can you build a few meals around what’s already there?

✅ Don’t overcomplicate it. You don’t have to plan every single meal. I usually plan 5 main dinners for the week, then fill in with groceries I know we’ll use for breakfast and lunch.

✅ Be realistic. If you know you’re going to have a busy night, plan something super easy like leftovers, sandwiches, or a freezer meal.

✅ Set a budget — and track it. Even if you go a little over (like I did this week), having a target number helps you stay mindful.

Sample Weekly Menu + Grocery List

Here’s a simple example based on what we are having this week:

Dinner Menu:

Ravioli & Asparagus in Cream Sauce
Pad Thai
Margarita Pizza
Cuban Beans and Rice
1 Prepared Meal - I was home alone one night and bought myself soup!

Grocery List:

Produce:

Asparagus
Bell peppers
Onion
Garlic
Tomatoes
Fresh basil
Limes

Pantry:

Ravioli (frozen or fresh) Trader Joe's Corn Ravioli is great!
Rice noodles
Beans (canned or dry)
Rice
Pizza dough

Dairy:

Heavy cream
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese

Protein:

Chicken breasts
Eggs

Other:

Thai peanut sauce
Olive oil
Soy sauce

Snacks & Lunch Supplies:

Hummus
Crackers
Turkey slices
Fresh fruit
Frozen lunch items

Meal planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or rigid. It’s really just about giving yourself a simple roadmap for the week — and a way to save time, money, and a little bit of your sanity. Remember, it’s okay if it’s not perfect every time! The more you practice, the easier it gets.

Want a little help getting started?I created a free printable Menu + Grocery List Template you can download and use. It’s simple, pretty, and made with love to keep your planning low-stress and fun.

✨ [Download the Free Menu + Grocery List Template here!] ✨

Need a little more help? Schedule a coaching session!