When I first started sharing my meal planning resources I had the idea that most people were like me—they liked to cook but just didn’t know where to look for quick and easy recipes. Well, in talking with lots of people I’ve found that A LOT of people (and many of my friends) don’t like to cook. What?! Say it isn’t so! They see putting dinner on the table as just another chore like laundry, mopping the floor or cleaning toilets.
As I’ve said before I believe there is no “one size fits all” approach to meal planning. Personally I enjoy looking for new recipes and trying new things. Call it a quest…it’s almost fun (most of the time!) For those of you who don’t find it quite as exciting you have options! Imagine getting a weekly meal plan emailed to your inbox once a week. AND a grocery list to boot so all you need to do is print everything off, head to the store and you’re good to go when dinner time rolls around. There are many services available…some are free and some cost a small fee for the service. I encourage you to check them all out because everyone’s tastes are different and what might work for you may not work for others.
Some services provide just the basics with main dish recipes while others go a little further and provide family friendly dinner recipes with side dish, dessert and even weekend breakfast suggestions. Of course all of these come with the shopping list for each recipe!
There are many to choose from….Saving Dinner, Dine Without Whine, Menu In a Box, Taste of Home Magazine’s Weekly Menusaver (you have to subscribe to this one via their newsletter on the website—it’s free though!) and many more. Check out the links section to the right—“Spend A Little, Get A Little More” for links to all of these services and find the one that’s right for you! I’ll be adding more as I discover them or let me know your favorites.
Got a secret to meal planning without really planning? Let us know in the comments section below!
Brenda,
I love your blog! I’m not a binder girl, though I hear your meal planning binder is awesome. I have a tip to share for moms like me who are in a rush all the time! I tend to do the same recipes over and over, and I always have to look at them because I can’t remember every single ingredient. Instead of looking through my cookbooks or box o’ recipes each time, I have taped my very favorite recipes to the inside of my cabinet door near my stove. That way, I just have to open the cabinet door to take a quick peek at the recipes! Also, the recipe cards don’t get wet or dirty that way because they are safely taped up.
Now that I think about it … did this idea come from you? Probably!
Thanks for your fun ideas!