Meal plan for my family with me 🌸✨
Worst question of the day… “what sounds good for dinner”
Most days, after a full day of work, decision making, and running around…deciding what to eat for dinner feels overly challenging.
At the start of 2025 I committed to eating more at home, and cooking more from scratch. Both for health and budget reasons. Planning ahead helps me stick to that commitment.
So I figured out a system that keeps it simple and minimizes waste.
Each week I plan, buy and prep 4 dinners, 3 snacks, 2 lunches, and 2 breakfasts. My husband plans and preps dinner 2 nights a week. The last night is fend for yourself night!
My shopping list is simple, handwritten, no template. I order groceries online and have them delivered to the house.
DINNER-
- Everyone chooses a dinner.
- I don’t assign it to a night, I just make sure we have all the ingredients. And we decide that night based on time and energy what to make.
- Whoever picked it, helps make it!
I found that I was calling my oldest daughter, night after night to help out in the kitchen, without really realizing it. This system helps me make sure my son, and youngest daughter are learning to help in the kitchen as well.
- Fend for yourself night, once a week we eat leftovers, or something they can all prepare on their own
BREAKFAST & LUNCHES-
- We pick 2 of each and rotate them throughout the week.
- I typically pack their lunches 3-4 times a week for the kids. Even for my high school aged kids.
- Hot Take: my husband is an adult, and plans and prepares his own breakfast and lunch.
SNACKS-
- Each of the kids pick 1.
- That is theirs, for the week. If they finish it in a day, too bad. They often trade throughout the week.
- I keep fresh fruit and prepped veggies in the fridge always as a quick grab and go.
- Both older kids are athletes, so I also have protein shakes on hand for quick, grab and go, before practices as needed.
💬 Comment below with your tips, tricks, and systems for planning your meals for the week.
Okay, so you've got a system, but what about the actual ideas for what to cook? That's where the fun (and sometimes the challenge!) really begins. After perfecting my own weekly meal plan strategy, I've gathered some go-to insights that might spark your next delicious family dinner. When it comes to picking those 4 dinners, I try to balance variety with ease. One night might be a 'comfort classic' – think hearty pasta or a simple roast chicken. Another could be a 'quick and healthy' option, like baked salmon with roasted vegetables (hello, fresh lemons and feta from my grocery list!). I often designate a 'meatless Monday' or 'taco Tuesday' to keep things exciting and ensure we're getting different nutrients. Having themes helps immensely with brainstorming. For instance, a stir-fry is always a winner and uses up those extra vegetables! For lunches, especially for the kids, I focus on things that can be prepped ahead or are easy to assemble. Leftovers are gold, of course! But beyond that, I love making big batches of soup or chili on a Sunday that can be portioned out. Sandwiches are a classic, but don't forget wraps with different fillings, or even 'lunchable' style boxes with cheese, crackers, and fruit. My kids also love bagels, so sometimes it's cream cheese and fruit, or even a sausage patty on a bagel for a heartier option. Now, snacks! This is where you can get really creative and keep everyone happy. Besides fresh fruit and prepped veggies (a fridge staple!), I rotate through a few favorites. Homemade muffins, yogurt with granola, or even simple whole-wheat crackers with hummus are always a hit. And for my athletes, those protein shakes are a lifesaver – easy to grab and go before practice. I also keep a stash of easy-to-grab items like nuts or dried fruit. The key is having options that are ready when hunger strikes, preventing everyone from reaching for less healthy choices. A big part of making these ideas work is smart grocery shopping and a little bit of prep. On delivery day, I wash and chop all my vegetables right away. This makes cooking dinner so much faster during the week. Marinating meats in advance or pre-cooking grains like quinoa or rice can also shave off significant time. Don't underestimate the power of a good salad kit or pre-chopped ingredients if you're really pressed for time – sometimes convenience is worth the extra cost to stay on track. Remember, this isn't about perfection; it's about making your life easier and feeding your family well. Experiment with different recipes and ideas, involve your family in the choices, and don't be afraid to adjust your plan if something isn't working. The best meal plan is one that fits your family's rhythm and preferences!