Moms, want to take the hassle out of meal planning? There are tons of great meal planning resources out there, but sometimes it can be hard to find what you’re looking for. That’s why we’ve put together some free printable meal plans to help you get started.
As a mom, I know how hard it is to get dinner on the table every night. Between work, extracurricular activities, and just everyday life, it can be tough to find the time to plan out a week’s worth of meals.
I found that planning meals was one of my biggest stressors during the week. I would spend hours looking through cookbooks and recipes trying to find something that sounded good, but by the time I actually sat down to make dinner I was so exhausted that I just ended up ordering takeout.
That’s why I’m such a big fan of meal planning. It takes the guesswork out of what to make for dinner and gives you a chance to get organized before the week even starts. And, when you have a plan in place, it’s much easier to stick to your healthy eating goals.
If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with meal planning, I highly recommend checking out these free printable meal planners I designed. They help you to not only plan out your meals, but also keep track of grocery lists, which is a huge time saver.
Benefits of meal planning
There are many benefits to meal planning, but here are the main reasons I find meal planning is worth the extra effort:
1. Saves time and money
When you have a plan for your meals, you can save time by doing all your grocery shopping in one trip. This also helps you stick to your budget because you know exactly what you need to buy and don’t end up with impulse purchases.
2. Reduces stress
Having all your meals planned out in advance takes a lot of the daily decision-making off your plate. This can be a huge relief, especially on busy days when you don’t have time to think about what to make for dinner.
3. Helps you eat healthier
When you meal plan, you can make sure that you’re including a variety of healthy foods in your diet. This is a great way to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need and avoid falling into a rut of eating the same unhealthy meals.
Free Meal Planners
Here are a few free meal planners I designed. Feel free to download and print them out for your own personal use!
Coloring Weekly Meal Planner
This weekly meal planner has space for you to plan out all your meals for the week, and comes with a grocery list so you can make sure you have everything you need. It is a coloring planner so it is a great way to relieve some stress as you sit done and plan your weekly meals.
Click here to download coloring meal planner (for personal use)
Floral Meal Planner
This pretty floral meal planner is perfect for spring and summer. There’s space to plan out all your meals, as well as a grocery list.
Click here to download floral meal planner (for personal use)
Minimalist Meal Planner Bundle
This bundle includes a weekly and monthly meal planner, as well as a grocery list. This is perfect for people who like to plan their meals in advance.
Click here to download Minimalist meal planner (for personal use)
Tips for using a meal planner
If you’re new to meal planning, here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Start small
Don’t try to plan out every single meal for the month all at once. Start with just a week or two so you don’t get overwhelmed.
2. Be flexible
Life happens, and there will be days when you just don’t feel like cooking. That’s okay! Just throw something quick and easy in the crockpot or order takeout. The important thing is that you have a plan so you’re not scrambling to figure out what to make at the last minute.
3. Get everyone involved
If you’re meal planning for a family, involve your kids or partner in the process. Ask them for ideas of what they want to eat and let them help with the grocery shopping.
4. Make it fun
Meal planning doesn’t have to be a chore. Find a pretty meal planner that you enjoy using and make it a fun part of your week.
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Meal planning is a great way to save time and money, reduce stress, and eat healthier. If you’re looking for a way to get started, be sure to check out these free printable meal planners. They’ll help you get organized and make meal planning a breeze.
What are your favorite tips for meal planning? Share in the comments below!