If you want to know how to meal plan on Sundays, there are a few things you can do. First, you will need to make a master list of ingredients. Next, you will need to count how many meals you need for the next week. And finally, you will need to prioritize dishes that will use some of the same ingredients. Sunday is the day to get organized and meal plan for the week. It’s also the most relaxed day of the week for most people. Besides, what’s more, relaxing than a delicious home-cooked meal? Sunday is also when you can dedicate some time to plan your weekly meals.
The key to planning a good Sunday meal is not to make your schedule too full and not to limit your options. On top of that, keep in mind that variety is king. A lot of people find it hard to balance eating out and preparing their own meals. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy guide on how to meal plan on Sundays so that you don’t end up falling into any traps or overthinking things. Keep in mind that no matter how much you plan things out, there will always be some instances where you need to change up your plans at the last minute or because something came up unexpectedly.
Make a master ingredient list
If you are trying to simplify meal planning, you have probably figured out that a Master Ingredients List is an invaluable resource. It will save you time and energy for the entire upcoming week.
Before you begin making your list, it is important to brainstorm a list of your favorite meals. This list can also include recipes that your family enjoys. Then, you can start adding new dishes to your master list. You may find that some of your favorites are not suited for the entire family, or that some take a lot more time to prepare than others.
Once you have your Master List, you can schedule the meals you want to make for the upcoming weeks or months. Your kids will appreciate the predictability. But if they do not like what you have already planned, you can switch it up for a few days.
Before you start creating your master ingredient list, it is important to check your kitchen for any items you are unsure of. A good idea is to go through your recipe ingredient lists and note which ingredients you have on hand. Similarly, you can also write down which foods you have in storage. In addition, you can also add items to your grocery list when you run out.
Weekly Meal Plan Template
Set a goal for the week The first step towards planning your weekly meal is setting a goal for the week. For example, you might want to set a goal of eating out five times and cooking one or two meals at home. Choose three non-negotiable meals that you need to prepare every week, along with an optional meal Now that you know how many meals you’re going to have during the week, it’s time to decide which ones are non-negotiable.
These are meals that can’t be missed and will be prepared on Sunday. If you find it hard to plan ahead, don’t worry! You can also choose an optional meal that will help break up your routine. For example, if you decide on having pancakes each Saturday morning as part of your routine, having tacos instead one day in between, will help make sure your weekends aren’t too similar. It also gives you more variety and options when making dinner plans.
Don’t over-think it
Don’t overthink this Sunday meal planning. You want to focus on easy and delicious recipes that won’t make you spend too much time in the kitchen. Get the best of both worlds with these recipes for a healthy, home-cooked meal that can be served up on any day of the week!
1. Easy Chicken Skillet An easy chicken skillet is perfect for a satisfying dinner that doesn’t take too long to prepare. This recipe includes a white wine, cream, and chicken stock mixture to add some extra flavor!
2. Ginger Garlic Noodles When you have a big family coming over for dinner, spaghetti is always a hit, but sometimes it gets boring after a while. This recipe has ginger and garlic powder mixed in with your noodles to give it some extra zing!
3. Creamy Butternut Soup Butternut squash is another fall favorite that makes an amazing soup base – this creamy recipe will leave your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Why weekly meal planning is important
A lot of people find it hard to balance eating out and preparing their own meals. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy guide on how to meal plan on Sundays so that you don’t end up falling into any trap or overthinking things.
Meal planning on Sundays helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed by a long list of options or spending time in the kitchen when you don’t want to. It’s also a great way to achieve your weight loss goals, eat healthily, and save money. To plan your weekly meals for the week, use our rough guide below as a guideline:
Monday: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Tuesday: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Wednesday: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Thursday: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Friday: Breakfast | Lunch| Dinner
Saturday: Breakfast| Lunch| Dinner
Variety is key
When you plan to prepare your meals for the week, it is important to incorporate a variety of foods into your menu. This ensures that you have variety every day of the week. Plus, it gives you more food options on Sunday when most people are feeling worn out from their weekend festivities. The key to planning a successful meal plan is to not be too strict with yourself and allow yourself some flexibility.
If you have plans for the day, adhere to them but if something comes up last minute or unexpectedly, change your plans accordingly. As shown in our article, here are some helpful tips on how to make a successful meal plan:
– Keep track of what food ingredients you already have in your kitchen
– Don’t overindulge in food items and always keep healthy snacks available
– Plan ahead and include dishes that can be prepared ahead of time so they will be ready when needed
Make a grocery list and Scan It Twice!
The first step to meal planning on Sundays is making a grocery list. Make a list of all the items you need for your meals, as well as any ingredients you’re lacking that might be hard to find. Having a composed list will also prevent impulse buys, which can lead to unnecessary waste. It’s also important to make sure you have an idea of what you already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
Scan your fridge if you don’t remember what’s inside so that you know what ingredients and condiments are available to use in your recipes. You can also scan the shelves in your pantry and take note of everything that needs to be replaced or replenished in the coming weeks or days so that you don’t forget anything important when it comes time to shop.
Add new dishes you want to try to your list next week
A good meal plan will always have dishes you want to try. So, next Sunday, take note of the dishes you want to try and add them to your list.
This way, you won’t get bored with the same old meals. If you don’t have time to make a new dish that day or if you need to work late and can only spend an hour cooking dinner, just plan a big breakfast the next day. What kind of foods should be on your meal plan this week?
– A few warm salads
– Grilled chicken marinated in spices
– Grilled fish
– Cooked veggies
– Rice and beans
– Salad greens and toppings
– Vegetables or fruit
– Smoothies with fruit
