Creating a meal plan isn't always easy, especially if you don't plan well, tend to procrastinate, or lack the motivation to follow through. But, if you follow these simple tips and tricks, you can create a meal plan without wasting your time or getting overwhelmed. So, see what works best for you and start planning your weekly meals today!
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Time-Saving Tips to Create a Weekly Meal Plan
1) Work with Your Schedule 
The most time-consuming part of meal planning is deciding what you're going to make. Once you have that down, finding recipes and making healthy grocery shopping lists should be quick and easy. Set aside time on your calendar for meal planning. Your schedule can differ from day to day, but having dedicated time blocks makes sure you don't forget.
2) Choose Fast and Easy Recipes
Choosing fast recipes can take some stress out of creating a weekly meal plan. You will be more likely to stay on track with your eating if you don't spend hours in front of your cookbook. Once you find a few delicious dishes, you can repeat them!
3) Use The Same Ingredients In Multiple Ways
Next time you buy something for dinner, consider using that ingredient in one of your other meals that week. For example, if you plan to cook chicken one night, make extra and use it as an ingredient in a stir fry or pasta dish. You could also freeze some for future use. Utilizing basic, must-have ingredients every kitchen needs will save money and prevent you from eating out because you are too tired to cook!
4) Cook Once, Eat Twice 
Cooking once and eating twice means you're doing all your meal prep in one fell swoop. By preparing one big batch of healthy food through batch cooking and meal prep, you can feed your family for two nights without having to cook again—or reheat if cooking for just yourself. This is one of the best tips to meal plan as it saves time and money, plus it leaves more time for enjoying your family instead of being in the kitchen!
5) Follow a Recipe Template
By using a meal plan template, you can structure your recipes. Keep in mind that there's no reason to limit yourself to healthy meals: there are plenty of delicious options out there, whether they're lower calorie or higher calorie, depending on your nutritional needs. So try something new! Experiment with different recipes; you can stick with the tried and true, or try something new and look for feedback from your family and friends.
How do you save time and money when you create your weekly meal plans? Leave a comment and let us know!
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"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)
