Smarter Planning & Smarter Shopping

PLAN YOUR MEALS!!

Here is an example of my menu I prepare. My husband get paid on the 1st and 15th of the month, so I prepare for that period of time.

I don't prepare a breakfast and lunch menu because my kids fix their own meals at that time. I make sure I stock up on a variety of breakfast and lunch foods. Usually I get those items from Sam's or Walmart. Things like Fish Sticks, Nuggets, Egos, Cereal, Pancake, Eggs, Bacon, etc.

When preparing my menu, I take into consideration our weekly meetings and other engagements. If we are going to be away, that's a "Eating Out" day. I try to cook enough food to last two days so that I won't wear myself out in the kitchen.

Once I plan my menu, I write my grocery list based on what I need to prepare the foods. Another money saving tip----- when preparing your menu, look in your pantry and freezer to see what you have left that you can cook. That will be less that you have to buy.

Here is my current menu, with the numerical value representing the date:

1 - Eating Out

2 - Baked Turkey, Yams, Green Beans, Broccoli Rice

3 - Leftovers

4 - BBQ Ribs, Jambalaya, Baked Beans, Cake

5 - Leftovers

6 - Chicken Patties, white Gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots
7 - Pizza, Green Salad
8 - Red Beans, Rice, Baked Chicken, Corn bread
9 - Leftovers
10 - Catfish, French Fries, Green
11 - Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Green Salad
12 - Leftovers
13 - Pork Chops & Gravy, Rice, Corn

14 - Leftovers

15 - Eating Out