Menu planning

As a family of 6, feeding everyone can sometimes become a chore and constant shop run.

As a child, I can even remember some days having the same meals weekly,  e.g. Sunday be a roast, Friday pie and peas.

Within my adult life, I have always had a menu plan, this helps to keep on top of shopping, mixes up the kid’s eating habits, increases new tastes and they know the plans better, rather than having a chorus of “What for tea, what’s for lunch…”

Example
Monday
Breakfast: Cereal/ toast milk
Lunch: Tomato and basil creamy pasta
Tea: Ham sandwiches on 50/50 bread

I often find having a meal plan has many different benefits. 

*Saves money (less shopping as using more before going shopping.
*Children are getting more involved, from planning to cooking.
*Gives greater variety and ideas.
*Gives us all something to look forward to with little else to do within the day.Gaining more independence within their life skills.
*Helps reduce our food waste, by using more from supplies and gain creativity in food.
*Give flexibility and greater choice to us all, as we often interchange days.
*It has helped us save money and time.

Although it is a simple thing to do many don’t, however, I feel the benefits really outweigh the time you take to do one.

So, I have developed a Meal Planner for you all and it’s downloadable and covers 5 weeks, so you can use it electronically or print. 

 Please feel free to use it yourself.
Meal planner

There is a section for your weekly ideas, a shopping list and a monthly view. 

ENJOY.