Meal Plan like a boss!
I’m a little obsessed when it comes to food prep, breakfast, lunch, dinner, you name it. Honestly, I’m usually thinking about my next meal before I’ve even finished the one I’m eating. Haha!
If there’s anything I can prep ahead to save time, energy, and effort later, I’m all over it. There’s always something happening in our kitchen (lucky it’s both mine and his happy place!).
When it comes to planning, I almost work backwards. Before I’ve even decided what we’re cooking, I take a few key steps first. I’m always thinking ahead , as we have to eat, right?
We’ve become weekly shoppers (I know, sounds wild to some). While we’ll still grab fresh produce when needed, we’ve ditched the big fortnightly shop.
Years ago, we both read The Barefoot Investor, and groceries were one of our biggest spend areas. We’d fill the trolley with what we needed (and wanted), swipe the card, and not think twice. But those top-ups in between? They added up, fast.
These days, we like to think we’re a little more savvy , both with planning and budgeting. ( Thank you Coles Click & Collect)
So before we even set foot in the shops or order online, here’s what we do…
STEP 1
Start by asking yourself: What do I already have in the fridge and pantry?
Challenge yourself to a bit of a MasterChef-style mystery box, we do this all the time to use up leftovers and avoid waste.
It’s the perfect excuse for an end-of-week stir-fry with whatever veggies are still hanging around. Finish off that meat sitting in the freezer, use the taco kit hiding in the back of the pantry, or throw in the fresh herbs you bought for that one recipe last week.
At the end of the day, it’s all money, sitting right there in front of you. No need to spend more. Use what you’ve got first!
Meal Plan!
If you can spare just 30 minutes , whether it’s over a quiet weekend coffee before the household wakes, on a weeknight with no commitments, or during your morning commute. Your future self will absolutely thank you.
I start by looking at my week at a glance, then plan our meals around what’s actually happening.
Side note: For those late nights, think after school care, swimming lessons, meetings, soccer practice (the list is endless!) Keep it simple.
Think slow cooker meals prepped in the morning, a freezer-friendly spag bol from last week, or something you can pop straight into the oven the moment you walk through the door. The less you need to do once you're home, the better.
Lean in on the occasional HelloFresh box, especially in those extra-busy weeks. It’s such a helping hand knowing someone else has done all the planning and prep!
Another favourite of mine? The Dinner Ladies, delicious, ready-made meals delivered to your door. So good for those late nights Click HERE to redeem a cheeky $25 off your first order. You’re welcome!
Whats on the menu meal planner
Step 3
Take a moment to flick through the many cookbooks you probably own, you bought them for a reason! Challenge yourself to try just one new recipe a week. Im currently obsessed with Recipe Tin Eats Tonight cook book, just $29 from Kmart.
It’s so easy to fall into the same old routine with meals, week in and week out. So go on, mix things up a little and bring some fresh flavour to the table!
Step 4
This is where the discipline kicks in. It’s not always easy, but trust me, you’ve got this! Once you’ve planned your meals, jot down exactly what you need to buy. One question we always ask ourselves while shopping now is:
“Do we actually need this this week, or can it wait until next?”
It’s honestly amazing how much we’ve saved just by buying what we need, not what we want.
Top Tip, I will always grab my pantry staples when they’re on sale, if you know you buy the same tinned tomatoes all the time, never pay full price! When they’re on sale, or down to half price as a lot of supermarkets do, grab yourself a few extra, you will save funds down the track.
I love using a gorgeous meal planner to keep things organised, if you're after one too, don’t forget to use the code LISAF10 to get 10% off!
Step 5
Cook Off!!
When I’m in one of those moods, I go all in! It’s pots on every burner and meals coming together at once for a big, productive cook-up day.
I’ll usually cook dinner for that evening in bulk. Even though there are just three of us, someone’s always heading off to work or coming home late, so I make extra for lunches the next day
If it’s a meal that freezes well, even better, it’s one more meal ready to go on those chaotic afternoons. This is me giving a big high-five to my future self!
Meal Prep Like a Pro — Easy Checklist
✔️ Check your fridge + pantry
What do you already have?
→ Channel your inner MasterChef and use up those leftovers!
✔️ Make a meal plan
Set aside 30 mins (coffee in hand!) and plan your week.
→ Grab a cute planner — you’ll actually want to use it!
Use code LISAF10 for 10% off my faves.
✔️ Cookbook dive
Dust off those cookbooks and try one new recipe this week.
→ Mix things up and keep it fresh!
✔️ Write a grocery list — and stick to it
Only buy what you need.
→ Ask: “Do we actually need this this week, or can it wait?”
✔️ Cook it up!
Go big on bulk. Double the recipe for lunch the next day or freeze it.
→ Trust me, you will thank your future self later!
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