Intentional Meal Planning: Grocery List and Shopping

Hello again, friends! We spent last week in Florida for part of Eli's spring break, and we had a wonderful time. It's also nice to be back home again, resuming our routines. And I'm back with more meal planning! Today I'm talking about my actual shopping and planning. From my past posts, you've seen my vision, budget, and pantry staples. Now let's explore what actually happens on grocery day.

Step One: Plan You Week

On Saturday or Sunday morning, I sit down with my planner, grocery list, phone, and a cup of coffee. I run through my phone calendar and check in with Ben, writing down everything happening for the week on my planner's weekly spread. I make a point to write down everything from doctor's visits to sports to school happenings to play dates. The more I write down, the more I can see what dinner will look like each day. This provides clarity on how much time I'll have to cook, who's eating dinner each night, and any special occasions or changes to our normal schedule.

Step Two: Schedule Your Meals

I write down a planned dinner for each day of the week, including weekends (I don't plan breakfast or lunch). If we are going out to eat, I write that down. If Ben is grilling, it goes in. Even take-out pizza goes in a slot if it's happening. The one other thing I do write down is if I need to bring food to an event. Planning ahead for your shopping trip is the name of the game!

Taking in to account our habits (like Taco Tuesday), our weekly schedule, and our out-to-eat days, I finish by filling in with recipes. I have a stack of recipe books (Look for my final post on meal planning recipes next!) that I typically browse, plus I use Pinterest. As I write down our meals, I'll sometimes note the recipe's source so I don't forget. I also write in any sides that I'm planning to serve so that I have a full meal planned.

How do I know what to cook each week? I take into account what my family likes, the season, what we ate last week, and what's on sale. I have a stock of recipes I like (you probably do too!) and I try to add in one or two new-to-us recipe each week. This week's new recipe is Honey Garlic Chicken from Pinterest.

Here is an example of my meal plans for this week:
Monday: Honey Mustard Chicken, Rice, Salad
Tuesday: Chicken Tacos, Chips + Guac
Wednesday: Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, Rice, Asparagus
Thursday: Black Bean Quesadillas
Friday: Hamburgers, Veggie, Fruit
Saturday: Homemade Pizza
Sunday: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Sweet Potato Fries, Coleslaw

As a note, be sure of two things as you plan your meals: 1) there are no hard and fast rules! If you schedule chicken for Monday but need to move it to Wednesday, do it. Nobody is judging you. 2) Choose meals with your schedule in mind. I love crock pot meals for days where we have a busy afternoon, and I'll try a new recipe when I know I have time to complete it or Ben will be home early so he can keep the kids busy.

Step Three: Write Your Grocery List

I grocery shop once per week, usually on Sunday or Monday. This is quite truthfully one of the ways we save money best-- only shopping once a week. Little purchases add up quickly and can make you unintentionally blow through your budget. The very best way to keep to once a week is to write your list!

I write my list here as step three because you want to create your list only after your schedule is in place. This allows you to simply copy down ingredients you'll need, and keeps you from forgetting an item. I keep my list somewhere I can find it during the week, and add any items we need as I think of it. If I have any coupons, I'll write a small C next to the coupon item. I also make a separate list on the back or to the side with household items, personal care, and anything else I might need to pick up while I'm shopping.

After I run through my week's recipes and write down any ingredients I need, I check my pantry, fridge, and freezer, and list any staples I need to restock. I also ask Ben if he needs anything, and ask Eli if he has any requests for packed school lunches.

Finally, while we don't plan our breakfasts and lunches, we have a regular rotation of options. I make sure to add these items (think bread, peanut butter, eggs, etc) to my list as well.

Step Four: Go Shopping!

I like to do this all in one go. I hit Aldi, a regular grocery store, and sometimes Walmart too. For those of us with small kids or busy schedules, I know this can be a lot. Try making this your alone time- grab a coffee and enjoy shopping while someone watches your kids. Or if you bring your kids, give them a snack or a reward for helping. A friend also introduced me to Instacart this week. That's a game changer! Whatever you do, the idea is to do one giant trip once per week and then do everything you can to wait a full week to go shopping again.

Money-Saving Tips:

- Buy what's on sale! Grab your local store's grocery add online or in your paper, and lay it own while you plan meals to help you see what's on sale and how you can incorporate that into your week.

- Use one meat multiple times. I find meat adds up quickly, and when I buy several types, it runs up my grocery bill. This week, for example, I'm using chicken 3 times. We are cooking a pork butt for Easter, so next we'll we will have pork taquitos and pork sandiwches. Re-purpose as often as you can, buying large packages of one type of meat to see you through the week.

- Buy only what you can afford. Find a fantastic recipe that includes 5 expensive ingredients? Save it for a special occasion. Try to use recipes that generally have ingredients already in your pantry.

Now that we've made it through the meal planning process all the way to your shopping trip, what else would you like to know? Have I answered your questions? Comment below and I'll include answers next time!