Guest Post: A 7-Week Menu Plan

Do you sometimes wonder what you are going to make for dinner several hours before it’s to be served? Do you despise trying to figure out “what’s for dinner” every week or every day? If so, here is an example of my 7-week Dinner Planning Chart. I created it to keep our food bill down, to eliminate last minute meal planning and avoid ordering out. We're able to purchase ingredients at the best price all while maintaining a variety of meals on the table for our family.

Some benefits of my 7 week plan:

1. I can look ahead to make sure I get all the ingredients for upcoming meals at a good price (preferably on sale and with coupons).
   


2. Each week, I can just look at my chart, check my fridge and then go to the grocery store for the perishable items needed.
   


3. I can "prep" for meals in advance when I know I won't have time. For instance, I can mix a marinade one day in advance, cut up veggies the night before, etc. - all in the name of saving time on the days when I don't have any.
   
   
4. As the seasons change, so will my cooking, but my chart stays the same. During the summer when "Lasagna" comes up on the menu I will substitute Ravioli in its place. Many of the chicken dishes I make in the winter will be substituted for barbecued chicken in the summer with corn on the cob. The chart is a guide and it helps, but I don't follow it strictly all the time.
   


5. I don't always make the meals in the exact order they are listed on the menu for that week. For instance, the meal that requires the most time will be done on the day of the week where I have the most time.
   


6. I try to fill my menu with as many quick and easy meals as possible. Anything that can be prepared during naptime and then baked in the oven goes on my list. :)
   
   
7. When I try a new recipe, go out for a holiday, attend a neighborhood BBQ, etc. then I put my menu aside and return to it on the next day that I need to prepare a meal for our family.
   

Note: Our family LOVES leftovers so you'll notice that the majority of meals are prepared to last for 2 nights. If your family doesn't care for leftovers then aim for a 3 or 4 week rotating menu plan with 6 or 7 meals each week.

Would you like to try creating a rotating chart of your family's favorite meals to make meal planning easier? You'll find a blank planning chart here (you can edit it as you wish!). I hope this gives your family an idea of how to eliminate meal time stress.

Many thanks to Tracy for taking the time to put this article together! Tracy Jarosz is a stay-at-home mom of 2 busy little boys (ages 3 & 10 months) and a wife to a loving work-at-home husband. She is a frugal mom who strives to keep life simple with long walks, good books, lots of fresh air and a bit of chocolate.