13. Family Meal Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide to Simplify Your Weekly Routine

Ultimate Protein Guide: https://www.shaeladaugherty.com/proteinguide

Welcome back to Move Your Body Differently! I’m your host, Shaela Daugherty, and today we’re diving into one of the most requested topics: meal planning. Whether you’re a busy mom, juggling work and family, or simply looking to streamline your weekly routine, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to make meal planning work for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Meal Planning vs. Meal Prepping: Understanding the difference between meal planning and meal prepping. Meal planning involves writing down what you’ll be eating for the week or month, while meal prepping is the actual preparation of those meals ahead of time. We’ll focus on planning, which sets the foundation for successful meal execution.

• Analyzing What Works and What Doesn’t: I share the importance of being self-aware and evaluating your meal planning process. Learn how to turn challenges into learning opportunities by analyzing what worked and what didn’t each week. This mindset shift is key to developing a sustainable meal planning strategy.

• My Monthly Meal Planning Method: I break down my step-by-step process for planning a month’s worth of meals in advance. This approach has evolved over the years and now takes me just 30 minutes a month. I’ll show you how I categorize meals by cooking methods—pressure cooker, slow cooker, oven/grill, and stovetop—and use this system to simplify grocery shopping and meal prep.

• Creating a Rotating Meal Plan: Discover how I build a rotating list of breakfast and lunch options that require minimal planning and how I keep track of dinner recipes using a Word document. This system saves time, reduces mental energy, and ensures variety in our meals.

• The Importance of Adaptability: Meal planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. I explain how I adapt my plan based on what works for my family, making changes as needed without having to reinvent the wheel every month.

• Encouraging Long-Term Success: I discuss why it’s important to take ownership of your meal planning process. By choosing meals your family enjoys and creating a system that works for you, you’re more likely to stick with it and make it a lasting habit.

I mentioned several different links throughout this episode, here are a few of them: 
Penny Pinchers Low Carb Recipe Book (i am not affiliated with them, I just enjoy their recipes): https://shop.passionatepennypincher.com/collections/digital/products/low-calorie-menu-plans-pdf-download

Shipt: https://www.shipt.com/shop/stores

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