If you’re feeling clueless when it comes to the groceries you’re bringing home, you’re in good company.
Many people end up spending much more money than they need to because they lack in their planning skills.
Even if you know what you’re cooking that night, who knows if your family will actually eat anything.
With a little help from me, you’ll be sure to meal plan at your best and have your family’s stomachs full and happy.
That’s why I’ll share my simple family meal plans so you can make meal plans your family will love.
With these kid-friendly family meal plan tips, you’ll be making meals that everyone in your family will eat.
And, with thee easy family meal planning ideas, you won’t have to make 5 different meals to get your family to eat.
Here’s how to make meal plans your family will love.
Involve Your Kids
It’s no secret that little ones can be the pickiest eaters of all.
By involving your kids in the meal planning process, they will be much more likely to eat what you’re making for them. Thus, making meal plans your family will love.
Start by asking your children what they would like for dinner that week and work from there.
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Perhaps you’ll inspire your kids to help with the preparation of your meal when they know what they have to look forward to eating.
You could even make a chart to indicate whose turn it is to pick a special dinner for the week.
Stick With Family Favorites
Meal planning doesn’t have to mean new food every single night.
While that way of doing things can be fun, you’re more likely to get your family to eat your cooking when you already know what they like.
If everyone is a fan of taco Tuesday, consider that and make a Mexican fiesta each week. Then you will be including meal plans your family will love.
Try making a note of your family’s favorite meals and alternate each one depending on the day or week.
Keep Things Simple
Remember to include certain staples in your weekly grocery list so you can make the meal plans your family will love.
If you get too crazy with your meal choices, you run the risk of your family being too afraid to try anything.
Staples like bread, pasta, and soups are always a crowd pleaser and are the very definition of keeping things simple.
Your family will thank you for having those simple staples on hand, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you can quickly whip up a new meal at any moment.
Use The Weather To Your Advantage
You’re probably wondering what weather has to do with meal planning.
It’s simple. Is it cold outside? If so, your family would probably enjoy something hot and cozy to fill their bellies.
Soup or a nice casserole would be the perfect choice on a day like that one. Incorporating meal plans your family will love will help you cater to their bellies and their taste buds.
Pick meals based on what the weather is going to be like to accommodate your family’s needs.
For instance, summer is a great time to add a fresh fruit salad and something chilled to your family’s diet.
Not only are they more likely to eat what you give them, but they will also feel satisfied and refreshed.
Rate Your Meals
Have your spouse or children use a rating method after each dinner you eat.
You could even keep a journal with stickers that your kids could use to mark their favorite meals. Thus, they have rated the meal plans your family will love.
BONUS DOWNLOAD
Want to plan your weekly meals with less hassle?
Download these FREE Meal Plan Templates and you'll get your meals and shopping list organized in just minutes.
It will be easy as pie to pick which meals your family will be eating that week.
Like I stated before, involving your family in the meal process in any way, can only lead to good things and smiling faces.
Save Your Previous Meal Plans
Every time you make a new meal plan, save your old meal plans!
This is a quick and easy way to put together meals for the week when you are in a pinch, and you can also use them as a reference when you are fresh out of ideas for your healthy families.
This is also a great way to help you remember dishes you may have forgotten about or haven’t had in a while.
One of the great tips for healthy meal planning on a budget my mother gave me, was to get my dinner ideas organized. I keep my old meal plans in a folder along with a long list of what meals I have made before that my family has loved. I also keep a Pinterest file full of ideas so we never get stuck in a dinner rut.
Leftovers Are Your Friend
You’ve already chosen meals that your family likes, right?
So, make them in bulk! Bulk batches are the easiest way to save your money and also keep your family on board with your meal planning efforts. Then you always have the meal plans your family will love on hand.
Plan on having a leftover night each week. This way, your family is eating a meal that you know they are fans of, but you’ll also be doing a favor for your wallet!
Meal planning doesn’t have to be a complicated mess. In fact, it can be incredibly easy when you involve your family in the whole process.
Find what works for you and your loved ones and stick to a plan.
As you can see, these simple family meal plans will help so you can make meal plans your family will love.
With these kid-friendly family meal plan tips, you’ll be making meals that everyone in your family will eat.
And, with thee easy family meal planning ideas, you won’t have to make 5 different meals to get your family to eat.
By using my tips, you’ll be sure to please your family and create meal plans your family will love!