Happy Monday, everyone! This is the week when you learn about meal planning, which is integral to living Affordably Organic. I touched on this topic back in December but it merits a little revisit so we can drill a little deeper.
For some folks the words "meal plan" conjure up images of boring, predictable dishes that make the kids cringe and call for casserole after casserole, filled with cream of something soup and other cheap ingredients… Isn’t that what popped into your head?
How about this for a shopping list:
Um, this is not what I had in mind...
Nope, this ain’t your mama’s meal plan. This is about sourcing out fresh, multi-use ingredients, some savvy shopping and creating tasty, healthy foods.
I’m a fan of the meal plan for a couple reasons (not necessarily in this order):
1 - It takes the guesswork and stress out of “what’s for dinner, mom??”
2- It enables me to shop wisely and avoid impulse buys.
Grocery store truths:
Grocery stores are designed for impulse shoppers. They want you to be captivated by the pretty colors, SALE prices (which sometimes aren’t such a great deal, they only seem like it) and bank on the fact that you are unorganized and in a hurry.
Grocery stores strategically place certain (most) items in order to get you to spend money. Those yummy-looking “natural” potato chips at the end of the aisle? Yeah, those might be a good snack…PUT ‘EM DOWN. You don’t need them.
Grocery stores are designed to get you to spend money, NOT save money. Be a savvy shopper and turn the tables by saving instead of spending money.
This is more like it...
Meal planning truths:
Planning meals will help you save money. You plan in other areas of life so you can stay on target and achieve your goals. (You make time for fitness so you can stay healthy. You spend quality time with your kids to create loving relationships. You get the idea...) Why treat saving money any differently?
Sticking to your grocery list will help you stay on budget. If it's not on the list, it doesn't go in your cart. Easy peasy. STICK TO THE LIST.
Create a plan BEFORE you step inside the store and you will be less likely to buy impulse items. This doesn’t mean scribbling out your list in the parking lot. This means taking a good look at your pantry and your weekly meal plans and then creating a smart list of items you need. (Note I wrote NEED, not WANT.)
NEVER, ever, ever, ever, ever shop hungry. This is a universal truth. Don’t. Do. It. You will end up with items that you don’t want, don’t need and will most likely add to your waistline, not wallet. (Side note: I broke this rule over the weekend. I came home with ready-made Mandarin Orange Chicken. What??)
Next up: HOW to meal plan. What will work best for your family? Where do you start? Come on back... We’ll cover all that stuff later this week.
Organically yours,
Minde
photos courtesy of Jerry Kirkhard and Emily Carlin - thank you!
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