So you have your template… now what?

1. TAKE INVENTORY. Let’s start with what you already have: in the ‘INVENTORY’ section of the template, write down some items you already have in your fridge, freezer, or pantry. Don’t worry, you don’t need to include your entire kitchen here, just write down anything that you want to use up or that won’t last much longer. Prioritize perishable items like refrigerated proteins and fresh produce.

2. COME UP WITH SOME MEALS. Now that you’ve got some items on the inventory section, what meals can you think of to use them up? Say you’ve got some ground beef in the fridge: why not make tacos or spaghetti bolognese? Write it down! Preferably in a day sooner rather than later. Boom, one dinner taken care of. Once you’ve got your inventory items accounted for, why not check out some online resources for meal ideas? Bon appetit, NY Times cooking, and Pinterest always help me out.

3. WRITE A GROCERY LIST. With each meal idea you choose for a given day, check the ingredient list and write it down in the “GROCERY LIST” section of your template. Repeat until you have all your days completed.

4. MAKE ROOM FOR TAKEOUT DAYS OR LEFTOVER DAYS. Going from never meal planning to planning 3 meals a day, seven days a week can be overwhelming. If you’re someone who enjoys going out for meals or getting take out, allow for at least one day during the week to do this- and write it down! Saturday-take out! After a few days of your organized meals, you’re likely to end up with some left overs. Plan a day to eat them! Otherwise, before you know it, you can’t remember how long they’ve been in there are they’re growing their own eco system.

5. USE AN APP TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR GROCERIES. My husband and I use the Bring! app because if he adds something to the grocery list, it populates into my list! So handy.

   Get the Bring! app here Bring app