How to Meal plan when you’re not a great “planner”

meal planning

I like my freedom and flexibility.  I don’t like the feeling of having to do something in advance.  You can say I’m a go-with-the- flow kind of gal.  I want to do things on my own terms!


I CAN plan and batch cook or prep in advance but a lot of times I just don’t want to because what if I feel inspired to eat in that moment something completely different than what I planned? Do I ignore it and force myself to make/eat what I planned or seize the moment and make that gluten free/vegan shepherd's pie I’ve been craving?


Or what if my favorite local restaurant opens up outdoor dining and it’s a beautiful day and I’m sick of my quarantine kitchen?


You see my dilemma.


Sadly, I learned after having a family of my own to make meals for that I had to rein in some of that hippie love child freedom and figure out a way to get this done each week without letting my produce die a slow wilting death in my crisper.


Making matters even more challenging, I eat differently than my family.  They’re a meat and potatoes (and maybe sushi) kind of fam while I prefer vegan cuisine and cooking.  


Alas, we’ve had to make it work.


Here are what I’ve learned as the most important ways to meal plan even if you’re not a natural planner or very organized.


1. Order a meal planning delivery box to be sent each week.

I use Purple carrot but there are dozens of them available with every type of cuisine, skill level and taste preference.  The way it works for me, is that I concentrate on a meal plan for the family and implement that while I lay back and wait for my box to arrive on Monday.  The meals are pre-portioned, recipes that are easy to understand and follow and delicious every single time.  It’s saved me so much mental bandwidth just reading instructions rather than having to plan out TWO separate meals plans each week


2. If you decided to be spontaneous and opt for a girls night out than the taco night you had planned, don’t worry  - there are still things you can do to prevent waste and wiltage.

Produce: cut and prep them as you normally would but use them in a soup or stew or put greens you bought in a smoothie or on a sandwich the next day.


3. Focus on flavor combos rather than specific recipes.  So, you can get an idea of the types of cuisines or flavors you want that week (or your family wants).  For instance, rather than gripping tightly to the idea that you must make the chicken parm you had planned for Wednesday, maybe you focus on some italian flavors using the ingredients you have on hand.  Maybe you substitute chicken for tofu because you realize you forgot to even put chicken on the shopping list that week.  Play around with flavors and let go of relying solely on recipes. (learn how to do that by joining the Meal planning club)


4. Grab your Ultimate Meal Planning Bundle 2020!

If you want to:

  • Meal plan more consistently and free up hours every week

  • Save money on groceries with smart shopping strategies

  • Organize your meal plans and recipes for easy access and less stress

  • Eat healthier breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with hundreds of tested recipes

  • Avoid allergies and stick to health goals with meals for all the most popular diets 

  • plus, so much more!

Then the Healthy Meal Planning Bundle is for you! And with 58 resources valued at over $1,400, if just a handful are the perfect fit, you know you’re getting an incredible deal! (Hint: This Bundle costs just $37!) 

 

And for the second year in a row, my course, Meal Planning Momentum is included in the bundle this year!  >>> wanna see what is in my course?  Click hereI

I can’t wait for you to get access to this year’s meal planning bundle.

 

Let me summarize by saying this:  You do NOT have to be a planning wizard, a 5-star michelin chef or even an organized person to start meal planning with purpose and savvy.  Like any other skill, it takes practice, consistency and repetition.

 


Good luck!

Jenny BerkComment