Well, I've been trying different menu planning methods in hopes to find a monthly meal plan that works for us. Combining bits and pieces from the probably 92,387 different methods I read about, I think I've come up with something.
But first, this week, everything prepped ahead of time because we're on Baby Watch:
Sunday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables in cheese sauce
Monday: Spaghetti, salad
Tuesday: Crescent dogs, corn
Wednesday: Buffalo chicken breasts, fries, green beans
Thursday: Grilled ham and cheese, fruit
Friday: Italian chicken over salad, breadsticks
Saturday: Chicken stir-fry
Things will look a bit different when I get to next month and my monthly plan. Daily themes--including sides--look like this:
Sunday: Meat and potatoes, vegetable
Monday: Easy/simple, salad
Tuesday: "Deli" (soup, salad, sandwich in some combination) or stir-fry, fruit
Wednesday: Try a new recipe! (Sides then depend)
Thursday: Casserole/crockpot, vegetable
Friday: Italian, bread, salad
Saturday: Leftovers or out
I have lists of meals to rotate for these, at least four recipes under each heading so nothing has to be repeated within the month. I set it all up in an Excel spreadsheet; you can see it and use it for yourself by clicking here.
I'm hoping that this strategy will help me have more prepared ahead of time, plus save money by buying all of my staples ahead of time. I guess only time will tell--for now, I have a full freezer and minimal dinner prep for the whole month of July...now I just need my little bundle of joy to make her appearance! :D
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