How to Create a Simple and Stress-Free Meal Plan

1. Identify your family’s go-to meals

The first thing you should do is think about the meals you know your family loves and will eat every single time, no matter the day or mood. You don't want any complaints when you’re already juggling a million things. Consider:

• What meals are a hit in your household no matter what?
• Which meals can you throw together in 20 minutes or less?

Remember, we’re not looking for gourmet meals here. We need simplicity and quickness!

2. Create a master list of 15-20 meals

Now, make a list of 15-20 meals that meet these three criteria:

1. You can make them in your sleep—No mental effort required! These are your go-to meals you can make without looking at a recipe or stressing out.
2. Your family loves them—Make sure they’re meals that everyone enjoys. No time for complaints here!
3. You can make them in 20 minutes or less—Time is precious, and we want meals that are quick to prepare, especially when life is chaotic.

This list will serve as your “Master Menu Plan” for the next two weeks (or more!). It’s a great way to minimize stress and ensure you always have a plan when it’s time to cook.

3. Limit grocery store trips

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is to minimize how many times you go to the store each week. Here’s why:

• The fewer trips you make, the more time you have to focus on other things.
• Every trip to the grocery store takes up precious time and energy.

For instance, if you can stock up on essentials like paper plates (trust me, they’re a lifesaver on busy days), that’s one less thing you’ll need to do later in the week. Little things like this can make a big difference!

4. Make things as easy as possible

When life is hectic, it’s okay to take shortcuts! This is all about making things as easy as possible for yourself.

• Paper plates: While reusable plates are great, on busy weeks, paper plates can be a $5 “gift” to yourself, saving you the time and hassle of washing dishes.
• Buy in bulk: Focus on buying items that you know will be useful throughout the week—this minimizes the number of trips you need to make and makes meal prep easier.

5. Personalize your meal plan

Everyone’s family is different. You know your family best. So instead of sticking to someone else's meal plan, create one that works for you and your season of life. Here are a few ideas:

• Think about your family’s preferences—are they into pasta, rice, or stir-fries? Do they prefer chicken over beef?
• What meals can you make in bulk (like casseroles or soups) and eat multiple times?

Bonus tips:

• Take time to prep: If you can, take a few moments each week to prep your meals (like chopping veggies or marinating proteins). This cuts down cooking time later.
• Incorporate simple snacks: Include easy snacks in your plan like fruit, granola bars, or yogurt to avoid extra stress.

7. Save time and stress by simplifying

Remember, the goal here is to simplify. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to give yourself permission to take shortcuts and not over-complicate things. Meal planning doesn’t have to be fancy—it’s about being consistent, saving time, and making sure everyone gets a nutritious meal.

I encourage you to take a few minutes this week, even if it’s super hectic, and jot down 15-20 simple, quick meals your family will love. Make it personal, make it easy, and most importantly, make it stress-free.

Once you have your master plan, you'll feel more at ease during the busy weeks and know exactly what’s for dinner without the stress of last-minute planning.

I hope this tutorial helps you simplify your meal planning. If you have your own tips, meal ideas, or favorite grocery items to share, feel free to comment below. I'd love to hear how you make meal planning easier during your busy weeks!