Now that school is back in session, I am going to return to being more intentional about meal planning.  Eating out is one of my family’s greatest temptations.  We can spend tons of money really quickly if we aren’t careful.  I would much rather save my money and spend it on traveling!  I have a system that really helps us…it’s not perfect, but it does help.

September Menu

I create a monthly meal calendar…

I started by creating a list of every meal that we eat.  This list does change since we are trying new recipes often.  The list as of today includes….

• Beef and potato hash
• Breakfast
• Burgers
• Burritos
• Carbonara
• Carne Guisada
• Chicken Georgia
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken Thighs with Creamy Spinach
• Chicken with Mustard Sauce
• Chili
• Chili with Baked Potatoes
• Colossal Club Sandwiches
• Eggs Florentine
• Enchiladas
• Fettuccine Alfredo (Actually Penne Alfredo)
• Fish
• Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Grilled Chicken
• Jambalaya
• Mexican Stacks
• Orzo and Sausage
• “Perfect Chicken”
• Philly Cheese Steak
• Pizza (Homemade)
• Pizza Rolls (Spinach/Garlic and/or Pepperoni)
• Pork Tenderloin
• Red Beans and Rice
• Roast Chicken
• Sausage with Hash Browns and Warm Tomatoes
• Shell Pasta with Rotisserie Chicken & Basil
• Skillet Lasagna
• Spaghetti
• Spicy Shrimp over Angel Hair Pasta
• Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
• Steak
• Stew
• Tortillas Soup

Then I include these sides:

• Roasted Asparagus
• Parmesan Zucchini
• Sautéed Spinach
• Homemade Mac n Cheese
• Spanish Rice
• Cilantro Rice (or Basil Rice)
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Salsa
• Caprese Salad
• Homemade French Fries
• Green Beans
• Corn on the Cob
• Au Gratin Potatoes
• Broccoli with Cheese
• Bakes Potatoes
• Plain Rice

Next, I print out a calendar for the month.  I print mine from iCal on my Mac.  It prints with all the activities we have planned for the month.  In the past I have used just generic calendars I found on the internet.

I decide which meal of each week we will eat out.  Right now, we are trying to limit eating out once a week.

Then I just start filling in meals from the list.  I know which meals take more time and which days of the week I have more time to cook…and which meals are quick and easy for those nights we don’t have much time.

Then I am set…..Each week I can make a grocery list for the meals I have planned.  I can watch for proteins on special since I know what we are having for the month and what types of meat I need for my list of meals in general.  If I see a good deal on proteins, I can freeze them and have them ready for an upcoming meal.

Tonight’s Meal…”Perfect Chicken”, Roasted Asparagus and Homemade French Fries…Yummy!

I always write on my calendar in pencil so that we I need to move meals around, I can do so easily.

This system works really well for me.  What system do you use for meal planning?