Menu Planning Free Printable

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There’s probably a reason one of the most popular new year’s resolutions each January is to get more organized. No one likes the feeling of being rushed, forgetting things, or like you are constantly playing catch up. Since life tends to get hectic when you least expect it, organization is key to keeping your wits about you.

One of my biggest drama-inducing mistakes is forgetting about menu planning. I detest the 5pm panic attack, realizing I haven’t pulled anything from the freezer, we are out of x/y/z, the kids will be home any minute, and what the heck are we eating!?

This is the easiest way to fall into bad food habits, such as ordering in Chinese or pizza, or grabbing whatever might be quickest and easiest to make, regardless of how healthy it is. With both Mr. Crafty and I trying to get back in to our low-carb lifestyle, this is never a good plan.

So I began to get more disciplined about menu planning. I highly recommend my routine to you!

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Make sure you are focused and ready to start menu planning for the week!

I don’t know about you all, but I can barely see, let alone write, before I’ve had my coffee. Since my boys like to take Mommy’s coffee time as the perfect time frame to need a dozen things they can’t reach or do themselves, I’ve started getting up earlier just to enjoy the peace and quiet. . . and coffee.

The quiet of the morning is the perfect time to focus on creating a menu plan for the week, which helps to avoid making those last minute fast food or unhealthy choices.

Now, Mr. Crafty drinks his coffee black. Shudder.

I am not able to do that. I love coffee, yes, but let’s be honest – a lot of that love comes from adding a delicious creamer to my cup. I’ve spoken of my love of International Delight in previous posts (find my iced coffee drink recipe here!), and their Simply Pure creamers are my new favorites. Only five ingredients!!

Take stock of what you already have available

Now that coffee is working its magic, let’s get focused on the week ahead!

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When menu planning, remember to take stock of what foods you already have available to help keep your grocery budget down. There are lots of great websites you can use to check what foods you can make using what you have on hand. Additionally, downloading an inventory printable for the freezer and pantry will help make this chore easier.

Use printables to make menu planning fun and easy

Speaking of printables. . .

I’ve used plenty of free printables from other bloggers in the past, but I do enjoy creating my own as well. Today I’m offering this one up to you, so don’t forget to download below!

You can menu plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or just dinners, depending on what fits best for you and your family. Dinners are our hardest ones, so that’s what I worked on this week. Be sure to write out both the main dish AND a side or two, so you aren’t scrambling to make a full meal come five o’clock.

Mark where you found your recipe, and compile a list of ingredients you’re missing

Hopefully you’ve used up most of your pantry and freezer items, but it is still highly probable you will need to pick up a few things to complete your week. It is also helpful to plan to make enough for leftovers, for those nights you just aren’t in the mood to cook.

If you have the Amazon Echo, you can enable the MyChef app to strack your pantry and freezer items, keep updated stock lists, and add items to your shopping list when you run out!

Now go grab a cup o’ joe and your free printable and get to work! If you’re like me, grab some of the International Delight Simply Pure creamer to go with your morning java. I snagged mine at Walmart.