I started meal planning over five years ago when I was coupon queen. At the time my sole motivation to start planning my meals was saving money.
I wanted to make better use of the food that I was buying at a fraction of the cost with my couponing strategies. I instinctively knew meal planning would cut down on the amount of food I threw away, and my family would eat out less.
However, I quickly realized that the benefits of meal planning went far beyond just saving money.
I was saving time in the kitchen, which meant I was less stressed out at dinner time. These days, I’m lucky if I remember to load my digital coupons to my Kroger app!
Meal planning, on the other hand, is one habit I’m sticking with because it never fails to save me time, money, and stress.
Meal Planning Benefit #1: Save Money
The average American family throws away up to $30 of every $100 they spend on food. It’s just like throwing dollar bills into the trash can every time we scrape off our plates or throw away leftovers! Planning your meals in advance allows you to manage your food resources wisely so there’s less waste and more money in your pockets.
Meal Planning Benefit #2: Save Time
Everyone has jam-packed schedules and cooking dinner can feel like another time consuming chore to check off your list. For many of us, it seems easier to just pick up carry out or order a pizza. However, with a small amount of time invested up front, you can ensure that you’ll have everything ready to go for a delicious, nutritious dinner in 30 minutes or less.
Meal Planning Benefit #3: Reduce Stress
Think about it: the last thing you want to do when you get home after a long day is stress out over what to make for dinner! Wouldn’t it be great to come home to the wonderful smell of dinner in the crock pot, ready to eat? This way, you can actually enjoy connecting with your family over a nice relaxing dinner.
The only thing you’ll have to stress over is who’s going to the dishes!
Christine Luken is the Financial Lifeguard and a veteran Meal Planner. She helps individuals, families, and entrepreneurs design a financial road map to help them arrive at their Preferred Financial Destination. You can find Christine’s blogs, podcasts, and videos on her Financial Lifeguard website and her Meal Planning Monday blog.