Meal planning is all about convenience – it allows you to plan a week or more of meals ahead of time, often prepping them beforehand. It lets you see exactly what you will be eating each day of the week without worrying about it or wondering if you have the right ingredients, and also makes it easier to ensure your family has balanced meals. This is why preparing a family grocery list is essential.
Here are some tips for meal planning, especially when it comes to thinking up grocery list ideas for family.
Take Inventory First Before Starting Family Grocery List
Any meal planner knows that this is the first step, especially if you often ask, ‘what should I stock up on now?’
You need to know what you already have for a few different reasons. First of all, many leftovers can be used for different dishes, so you don’t have to waste them.
It is also a good idea to take stock so you can plan meals based on certain ingredients you have. It also keeps you from adding an item to your grocery list that you already have.
Additionally, having a detailed inventory will also help you follow First In, First Out (FIFO) system. This is the best way for you to keep track and know how to buy groceries that will last.
Planning Week’s Worth of Meals Should Start with the Simplest Meals First
You may only plan your dinners or every meal of the day for each member of the family. To simplify this process, just start with the simplest meals on your list. For many people, this is breakfast.
If you know you want to make an omelet every day for breakfast, you can write down the ingredients you need, and be done with that portion of the meal planning.
Make sure you not only write the meals you need for each one you are planning, but also the ingredients, and the number of ingredients.
Have more than one chicken dish? Look at the amount you need for each and get a good total of how much chicken o pick up if you have run out completely.
This is going to prevent multiple trips to the store in the middle of the week.
Turn Your Grocery List Into a Meal Planning Guide
This one is completely up to you, but it does help to organize your list.
You know what order you go to in the grocery store, whether you start in produce or do the deli and bakery first, so that is how your list should be ordered.
This is going to make shopping the fastest possible, and also avoid aisles with foods you don’t need, but are often tempting to you. Don’t need snacks? Avoid that aisle completely by having an organized list.
Takeaway
This article aims to let you know the advantages of having a family grocery list. It can not only help you save time when shopping for groceries, but it can also help you keep track of the food you eat and feed your family.
The more you know what you’re buying, the more you’ll be able to determine whether you’re preparing healthy food.