Weekly meal planning as a family of 4!

Discover the way to organize a stress-free week of meal planning

Where to start with meal planning for your family?

Being a mother of two young children keeps me constantly thinking about meals throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner and numerous snacks in between. With my boys aged 1 and 3, I cannot afford to be spontaneous if I want things to run smoothly. I have come to realize that meal planning is essential for my family of four. Ordering groceries according to the planned meals not only reduces stress and the time spent on meal preparation but also minimizes food wastage, which is particularly important given the current grocery prices and my aversion to wasting food.

Let me show you how my meal planning for my family of four looks and tips I have found.

Tip #1 - Plan ahead, but also give yourself a break from cooking

Each household has its own unique dynamics, and in my case, I take charge of meal planning, preparation, and cooking. However, this also means that I require and deserve a break from these responsibilities. I typically make one meal a week that can be enjoyed as leftovers on the following night to give myself a little respite. Our lunches are simple yet nutritious, focusing on proteins and quick preparation. During weekends, we maintain a flexible approach, giving me the option to cook if we decide to stay in, without worrying about ingredients going bad. My weekly planning usually follows a similar pattern:

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Monday	Easy protein, fruit, grain	Home Lunch	1 night meal
Tuesday	Easy protein, fruit, grain	Home Lunch	1 night meal
Wednesday	Easy protein, fruit, grain	Home Lunch	Two night meal, night 1
Thursday	Easy protein, fruit, grain	Home Lunch	Two night meal, night 2
Friday	Easy protein, fruit, grain	Home Lunch	Pickup or Cook
Saturday	More intricate breakfast	Home Lunch	Dinner Out/Pickup
Sunday	More intricate breakfast	Lunch out/Pickup or Home Lunch	Dinner Out/Pickup or easy dinner at home

Tip #2 - Discover meal suggestions and prepare for the upcoming week(s)

Pinterest remains my top choice for meal ideas, with Instagram coming in second. I have specific pages on both platforms where I discover recipes, and I also consult family members for their favorite dishes. One Instagram account that I particularly enjoy is Half Baked Harvest; every recipe I've tried from her has been outstanding! On Pinterest, I maintain a well-organized recipe board categorized into sections like main meals, pasta, soup, BBQ, sides, and more for easy reference. While we have a set of favorite meals that we rotate regularly, I make an effort to introduce new recipes into our menu. I keep basic breakfast ingredients stocked for the week, reserving something special for our weekend breakfasts when my husband is home. Typically, I plan meals for the upcoming two weeks and purchase all the necessary groceries in a single order.

“People who love to eat are always the best people” – Julia Child.

Tip #3 - Ensure every meal is well-rounded

Lately, my priority has been to ensure that every meal is "mostly" balanced. I aim for this about 90% of the time, but on busier days, as long as everyone is fed, I count it as a success. While I'm not an expert, and this blog isn't solely about being perfectly healthy, in our household, I consider it a job well done if each meal includes a protein, fruit, and grain. I always make sure my kids have a fruit with every meal as they enjoy it, and vegetables are served at dinner every day, with only occasional appearances at lunch.

Tip #4 - Grocery shopping tips to save $

In this area, I focus on being well-prepared, purchasing high-quality items, and saving money in the long term whenever feasible. We typically buy our protein and grains in bulk from Costco, ensuring a variety of preferred options for our family. Before storing them in the freezer, everything is properly sealed, labeled, and dated. By involving my family of four in meal preparation, I can also portion the food according to our specific needs, thus reducing waste. We always maintain a supply of rice, pasta, bread, sauces, and proteins for convenience. Despite the rising grocery prices, I prioritize quality and ingredients when planning meals for my family. I make strategic decisions to ensure we get good quality products while still striving to save money.

Tip #5 - Avoid being overly critical of yourself

While a structured meal plan can bring order and reduce stress to your family, it doesn't have to be strictly adhered to every day. There are instances when I may deviate from the plan due to changing circumstances, the need to use up perishable items quickly, or simply for a quick and easy meal after a tough day. My primary goal is to minimize food waste by purchasing only necessary ingredients and utilizing frozen proteins as needed. The food saver I rely on helps preserve food items, extending their shelf life in the freezer, making it an invaluable tool for anyone meal planning for their family and freezing bulk food items.

Organize, Prepare, and feed the fam

Ultimately, the most important thing is that your family goes to bed content, in good health, and well-fed. I aim to introduce healthier food options and meals and encourage my family to try new flavors. Planning meals for my family of four every two weeks has decreased my daily stress and made me more organized for meal times. Cooking with young children can be challenging, so any assistance is greatly appreciated!