Meal planning has so many benefits, and saving hundreds of dollars in food costs is one of them! Here are two essential tips to help you save money while planning your meals:
1. Shop Your Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer
Start by taking inventory of what you already have. Check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer for ingredients. Use my Meal Planning Tool Kit to keep an inventory sheet handy. As you go through your items, throw away any old or expired food. Clean out the fridge, including checking leftover containers, as most leftovers only last about four days.
Take note of any common items you frequently throw away. For example, if you often find yourself discarding cucumbers, consider not buying them for a couple of weeks until your family is ready to enjoy them again. This small adjustment can prevent waste and save money.
2. Build Meals Using the Ingredients You Already Have
Once you have a good inventory of your items, start planning your meals for the upcoming week around what you have. Begin with the proteins you have at home, such as beef, pork, chicken, lentils, beans, or eggs. Find recipes that use these proteins and try to incorporate pantry items for sauces or marinades.
Next, look at your available carbs. Do you have noodles or rice that can be paired with a protein and a vegetable? This is a delicious, healthy, and easy meal idea that you can customize with different combinations of protein, carbs, and veggies.
Continue this process until you have enough meal ideas for the week. You may need to purchase some additional items, but this method significantly reduces the number of new ingredients you need, ensuring you use up the old ones and save money by not throwing away food.
Making a Grocery List
After deciding on your recipes for the week, write down all the ingredients on a grocery list. Review your inventory and cross off the items you already have. Check the quantities of staples like soy sauce and seasonings to ensure they will last the week before crossing them off your list.
Once you’ve checked your list, you’ll usually find only a few items you need to buy. This streamlined approach makes grocery shopping easier and helps you save money.
Recap:
- Inventory your pantry, fridge, and freezer.
- Build meals around the items you already have.
- Make a comprehensive grocery list.
- Head to the store and start saving hundreds!
I would love to help you more with meal planning! Check out the Meal Plan Subscription tab on Planned then Prepped to get started today.