post by Melissa

I’ve been raving about the benefits of meal planning for quite some time to my girlfriends, so I thought it was high time I shared it with you. I created this free menu planning printable. It’s a great tool to get yourself started in this time-saving, stress-relieving practice.

Sara and I will be also sharing with you some of our favorite, go-to meals over this next month.

Read more for the free printable.

Tips on meal planning

So here is how I tackle my meal planning each week. Usually on Sunday I go through my favorite cookbooks, my Pinterest recipes board and some of my go-to food zines to gather inspiration and new recipes.

Next I get out my menu planning sheet and I start filling it in. Download here – weekly meal planner printable. Then your trip to the grocery store is more organized and you end up saving money and time there. You only buy what you need. I was definitely guilty as splurge buying before I started meal planning.

I personally only calendar in four weekly meals. But I have friends that fill in each day. I’ve found that planning out four meals throughout the week allows for leftovers and the ‘quick, we’re running out for pizza’ nights.

Each week I like to try one to two new recipes so we don’t get bored with the old standbys. I can’t wait to share some of our faves with you guys… and can’t wait to hear some of your weeknight specials as well.

photos by Melissa Fenlon. all rights reserved.