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how to get started with menu planning

5 replies

MonkeyChicken · 04/10/2010 22:28

to some it seems to come very easily but I'm crap at trying to menu plan. I let DH have a go once and our food bill more than doubled (!). Really need to tighten our belts (I'm on maternity allowance and DH is self employed and will probably be out of work Dec- Mar). I lack confidence on the cooking front and have a VERY small kitchen so can't store much or prep much. I've a 2 yr old DD and an 8 wk DS. DH works away from home 2.5/3 wks out of 4 but is back at weekends. I could just really do with some tips to get started.

Thanks.

OP posts:
PrettyFeckinVacant · 04/10/2010 22:56

Have you had a look at the MN meal planner?? It is up at the top of this page.

greenlotus · 04/10/2010 23:52

This book any good? It's quite down to earth but I think you're in the target market.

Basically write down everything you can cook. e.g pasta dishes, stir fry, fish and chips, pizza, meat and 2 veg, whatever. I try to get a balance of beef/chicken/fish/vege and quick vs. healthy IYSWIM. Put them down on a fortnightly plan that suits your routine, easiest if toddler eats (or is offered!) the same as you do and maybe just a few extra meals if your DH is home. Keep this piece of paper!

On another bit of paper work out the ingredients/shopping needed and price it up on mysupermarket to see if it works for your budget, save this trolley and use it for a fortnightly delivery from your supermarket, obviously with breakfasts/lunches/cleaning/baby stuff added in and allow for topping up with milk/bread/veg. This saves you going to the shops so often and means you soon spot what is putting you over budget.

couldtryharder · 05/10/2010 08:36

I'm with greenl. I have a spreadsheet (sad I know) with all the dishes on that I can cook, split into their main element - beef, chicken, veggie etc.

Then each week when I'm planning my shop I go through and see what I fancy/we haven't had for a while. Make a list based on that and order the shopping.

I always have it delivered and them I'm not tempted to throw things in I had no intention of buying. If something that's on my list is on special offer then I might double up and freeze as I know I'll use it.

I top up now and again but over all I find we waste far less food, as 80% of what I buy is accounted for. By the end of the week our fridge might look bare, but I know that between that, the cupboard and the freezer I have two dinners and enough for lunches for whoever is at home.

Good luck.

It might look (at the end of the week)

Faaamily · 05/10/2010 08:49

I start with main ingredients. We have red meat once a week, chicken twice a week, and the other four nights are a mix of fish and veggie dishes, depending on my budget that week and what I feel like (seeing as I plan it all out and shop for it!).

I plan two weeks at a time.

I keep Friday and Saturday evenings very, very simple. Usually freezer food, using up stuff in the cupboards or things like omelettes/jacket potatoes. I know I won't feel like cooking on either of these days.

I try to get two meals out of one 'buy' - so split a pack of minced beef to make spag bol for one night and a chilli which can be frozen for the following week. Or make a roast chicken on a Sunday, and have chicken soup and bread for lunch or tea the next day. I'm not religious about this, but I try and spot where I can make things go further or be organised ahead of time.

I am not as organised as the posters above (no spreadsheet!), but I know what I can cook/what my family like, and will stick to that and usually add one new dish each fortnight.

Pudding is always fruit and/or yoghurt on week nights. I buy a few staples (apples/bananas), and then whatever fruit is on offer at the supermarket (so usually works out to be seasonal).

greenlotus · 05/10/2010 12:42

Also when I have done my plan I write the main meals on my calendar every day so when I am too zoned out to think at 4.30pm (which can happen with 2 under 2's Smile), I can look at it and go "oh yeah, beans & sausages" and know that I'll have what I need in the cupboard/freezer.

Another good get-you-started book is Jamie's Ministry of Food, it is very clear (even has step-by-step pictures) and has all the normal basic meals in: roasts, casseroles, pasta, a few puds, easy curries, salads etc and is good for widening your menu.

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