When I first started meal planning, it was so overwhelming. The first few weeks, I was ready to quit, but I truly believed meal planning could help us so much. So, I kept trying different things until I finally figured out what worked and what didn’t. I learned that with the right strategies, meal planning can simplify your week, reduce stress, and save money. If you’re a busy mom looking to create more time for what matters most, these meal planning hacks will help you streamline your kitchen routine. These are the things I do every week to simplify my life and save money.

Here are some of my top hacks for meal planning:

1. Start with a Weekly Meal Plan

Start by planning your dinners for the week. Simply having a plan eliminates the guesswork at dinnertime. I recommend starting with a mix of easy meals, leftovers, and quick-prep options. Keep a master list of family favorites to rotate for variety—this makes meal planning so much easier.

2. Use a Grocery List to Avoid Impulse Buys

Make your grocery list after you meal plan. A well-planned grocery list prevents overspending and ensures you have everything needed for the week’s meals. Organizing your list by category (produce, dairy, meats, pantry staples) makes shopping faster, more efficient, saves time and money.

3. Plan for Leftovers

Plan for leftovers each week. We do leftovers a few nights a week, and it makes dinnertime so much easier. Transform last night’s dinner into something new—chicken can become tacos or soup and extra veggies can be added to a stir-fry or omelet. Planning for leftovers saves both time and money.

4. Involve Your Family

Encourage your kids to help with meal planning and prep. Giving them a say in meal choices makes them more likely to enjoy what’s on their plate. Assigning small tasks like picking a meal, helping with grocery shopping, or assisting with prep work makes mealtime a family effort.

5. Use Meal Planning Tools

Apps, printable planners, or even a simple whiteboard can help you stay organized. Find a method that works best for your household and stick with it. Having a visual plan keeps everyone on the same page and reduces meal-time stress.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated. By using these hacks, you’ll spend less time stressing about meals and more time enjoying them with your family.

Want to take your meal planning to the next level? My Simplified Home Blueprint walks you through everything step by step, from planning your meals to prepping efficiently. It includes printable templates, grocery list strategies and tips to make meal planning second nature. Grab your copy here and start simplifying your kitchen today!

What’s your favorite meal planning tip? Let’s simplify the kitchen together!

Love and Support

Billie-Jo

The Simplified Mom