How to Meal Plan With What You Already Have
Let’s talk about meal planning! Becoming skilled in meal planning can be a life-changer, especially when you utilize what’s already in your kitchen. “Pantry Cooking”—as it is known—is an exciting concept that turns your pantry into a treasure trove of meal possibilities, making every week’s meal planning an efficient and budget-friendly adventure.
Why Meal Plan? Meal planning is a budget and time saver. It reduces stress, helps make healthier food choices, and ensures nothing goes to waste.
Reverse Meal Planning: Most people plan meals backward. They find the recipes they like and then make a list of ingredients they need. Instead of recipe-first planning, try focusing on what needs to be used up. This approach not only saves money, but it also minimizes waste. The most cost-effective way to meal plan, and the basis for pantry cooking, involves three simple steps:
- Inventory Check: List ingredients that need to be used, especially perishables.
- Recipe Hunt: Use resources like AllRecipes.com to find recipes that incorporate these ingredients.
- Leftovers Night: Scheduling a “Leftovers Night” is smart way to ensure every bit of food is used.
Organize and Inventory: Start by knowing exactly what you have. A well-organized pantry, fridge, and freezer are your best allies in meal planning.
Simple Planning Tools: To make the most of your time, we suggest having a few things on hand when you sit down to meal plan. Remember, keep it simple. Find a system that works for you.
- Inventory List: Complete pantry, fridge, and freezer inventory list.
- Recording Tools: Dry erase boards, meal planning apps, or simple sheets to track meals.
- Shopping List: A physical paper list, notes on your phone, or a meal planning app on your phone to record what you need to pick up at the grocery store this week.
- Laptop or Phone: To look up recipes using ingredients you already have.
- Dinner Ideas: A list to help you add family favorites to your meal plan.
Meal Planning Tips: The way you plan meals will depend on your individual situation. Below are some solutions (click the links) for people facing various meal-planning dilemmas.
- For Singles: Efficient and fun ways to meal plan without waste.
- For Couples: Romantic and practical meal ideas.
- For Families with Young Children: Picky-eater approved recipes.
- For Families with Teenagers: Filling and nutritious options for growing appetites.
- Cooking with the Whole Family: Encourage everyone to participate in meal prep.
Themed Nights: Make mealtime fun with themed nights like 'Meatless Monday' or 'Fish Friday'. This helps with diverse meal planning and gives everyone something to look forward to.
Double and Freeze: Cook in batches and freeze meals. This is particularly helpful for busy days or when fresh produce isn’t as available.
Smart Shopping Tips: If you want to save money on groceries, adhere to these strategies.
- Once-a-Week Trips: Limit shopping trips to save time and money.
- Shopping List Discipline: Create a shopping list and stick to it! Avoid impulse buys. Focus on sale items and essentials.
- Budget Hacks: Embrace budget-friendly shopping strategies, like buying sale items and using coupons.
A Budget-Smart Yukon Approach: Along with saving money and adding variety to meal-planning, these strategies also support local food producers and harvesters.
- Local and Seasonal: Look for local produce and seasonal items available in the Yukon, which are often more affordable.
- Bulk Buying: When possible, buy staples like rice and beans in bulk.
- Hunt and Fish: Incorporate locally sourced meat and fish if you or someone you know hunts or fishes.
With these tips, meal planning becomes an enjoyable and cost-effective part of your lifestyle. Share your own Yukon meal planning ideas with us at: info@iwic.ca
