[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11984″ img_size=”1024×512″][vc_column_text]I\u2019ve been meal planning for Amanda and I for about 2 years now and there are five questions that I ask to get started each week.\u00a0 We sit down with a glass of wine, pull out our calendars and then the questions begin.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”1. How many meals do we need to plan for?” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]If you are new to meal planning, I would recommend that you start planning your families\u2019 dinners only.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t recommend that you try to plan breakfast, lunches and dinners from the get go as it might be too overwhelming.<\/p>\n
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If you are a seasoned meal planner, then I would recommend planning lunches, dinners and desserts.\u00a0 Even seasoned meal planners shouldn\u2019t try to plan breakfasts as it\u2019s can be the busiest time of the day trying to get everyone out of the door on time.\u00a0 I try to make breakfast as simple as possible so that we aren\u2019t adding additional stress in the morning!<\/p>\n
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Plan 5 dinners to begin with and leave the weekend \u201cfree\u201d.\u00a0 This allows for the unexpected to crop up during the week which means you don\u2019t cook one of the meals and so you can use it at the weekend.\u00a0 It also gives you the weekend off from planning and free to eat out or cook one of your staple recipes.<\/p>\n
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Start with main courses only, if you are new to meal planning. Buy fruit, yoghurts or ice cream for desserts.<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t forget to check you and your families\u2019 calendars so you know how many meals you need to plan for.<\/p>\n
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You can download our free meal planning templates<\/u><\/a> to get started.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”2. What type of meals do we need?” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Do you need to use up leftovers from previous meals or have you got ingredients in your fridge, freezer or store cupboard that need using up before they go off?\u00a0 Avoiding wasting food<\/u><\/a> can be good for both the environment and your budget!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do you want to eat more at lunch and less at dinner or conversely do you ten to eat small lunches and prefer a substantial dinner?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One way to make meal planning easier is to assign a meal night to each day of the week e.g. meat free Monday, taco Tuesday and fish Friday.\u00a0 This way you always have an idea starter when searching for recipes to cook.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”3. What time constraints do we have?” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Do you have any specific time constraints during the week e.g. do you know you\u2019re going to be working late one night or do you have a favourite movie or series on TV that you want to make sure you\u2019ve finished dinner in time to watch?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Knowing that you have a limited time for dinner one evening, helps you to look for quick recipes to cook.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”4. What\u2019s this week\u2019s back up recipe?” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Even the best meal planners have a day where they just don\u2019t feel like cooking or something unexpected happens like a meeting that overruns or traffic jam on the way home.\u00a0 Having a backup recipe might simply be noting it on the meal plan and making sure you shop for it or it may be having eggs in the fridge for a quick omelette<\/u><\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”5. Is the meal plan balanced?” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Once you\u2019ve got a draft of your meal plan, check to ensure that it is balanced over the course of the week.\u00a0 Are you using the vegetables that are in season<\/u><\/a>?\u00a0 Do you have one meat dish on the plan?\u00a0 Do you have at least one fish dish, ideally two on your plan?\u00a0 Are you using alternative sources of carbohydrates?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eating a varied and balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and helping you and your family feel their best.[\/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Subscribe” btn_color=”warning” btn_align=”center” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bonapp.menu%2Fadmin-ace%2Fpublic-tarifs.php%3Flangue%3DEN|||”]<\/p>\n