Welcome to Day 1 of the 5 day meal planning challenge!
The goal of this challenge is to set yourself up for meal planning success for weeks to come. With five steps- one each day for the next week- you will have all of the tools that you need in order to successfully create weekly meal plans that you can stick to.
Are you ready to get started?
Today’s challenge
Today’s challenge is to create a favorite meals list.
The details
Have you ever sat down to plan out dinners for the next week- or even just for tonight- and your mind goes totally blank?
I know I have. (What is it about having kids that destroys your memory??)
If only you had all of your favorite dinner ideas written down in one place…
You guessed it! That’s what we’re going to do today.
Here are some other great reasons to make a favorite meals list:
- You’ll actually be able to remember- and make- those favorite meals that you tend to forget about.
- You will be more inspired to try new recipes when you know that you’ve also got some easy favorites planned for the week.
- You can pick tried-and-true (and easy!) dinners for the nights of the week that you know will be particularly busy.
- Every time you find a great new meal idea, you can add it to your list so you’ll remember to have it again.
Make it happen
Step 1
Decide where you want to create your list. You can type it up as a Google doc or a note on your phone. (Bonus: if you do that, you can share it with your spouse.)
Or, if you’re more of a paper person, you can use today’s download to print a template and handwrite your list.
It doesn’t matter what your list looks like, as long as you have one, and you know where to find it. I keep mine in a page protector in the front of my recipe binder. But more on that later.
Step 2
Start to think about your favorite meals. The ones that you’ve made before and your family loved. These don’t have to be complicated. Sloppy Joes made my list, and those come right from a can.
Don’t forget about meals that are so easy to make that you don’t need a recipe at all. (Spaghetti, anyone?)
Step 3
Leave blank spaces.
It’s ok if you don’t have a ton of things written down yet. You’ll be adding more things to your list as you think of them, or as you try new recipes that you love.
The important thing is to get the list started so that you can start to use it ASAP.
Today’s download
Today’s download is the favorite meals template. Click here to download and print your own copy.
Today’s assignment
Today’s assignment is to create a favorite meals list.
When you’re done, give yourself a big pat on the back, snap a photo of your list and head over to our Facebook group to share it!
Be sure to check out everyone else’s lists for some inspiration. You can also see my list, below.
My list
Here’s what I have on my list so far:
You get the idea. Take the time to start your own list today, and you’ll be surprised by what a difference it will make.
I can’t wait to see your pictures over in our Facebook group. Then I’ll see you tomorrow to talk all about sides, lunches, and snacks!
-Laura